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Effect of Extreme Light Regime on Production and Characteristics of Egg in Laying Geese |
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S. D. Wang, C. M. Wang, Y. K. Fan, D. F. Jan, L. R. Chen |
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| Abstract |
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The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of long light regime (20 h light and 4 h dark, 20L:4D) and short light regime (4 h light and 20 h dark, 4L:20D) on egg production and egg characteristics of laying geese. Thirty-six laying birds, 4 replicates of 3 birds per treatment were allotted to three light regimes, i.e., 20L:4D, 4L:20D, and natural light (NAT) from March 7 to June 20. Results showed that the geese in 20L:4D consumed 54 g less feed per goose daily and laid 17.5 less eggs per goose (p<0.05) comparing to those in 4L:20D. The number of days from initiation of light treatment till cease of laying was 22 days shorter (p<0.05) in 20L:4D comparing to that in NAT. Five geese (41.7%) in 4L:20D kept laying by the end of applying light regime. Weight and surface area of the eggs in 4L:20D were greater (p<0.05) comparing to those in the other two light regimes. It is concluded that the period of egg production in goose could be manipulated by light regime in the ways such as using short light regime of 4 h light daily to prolong egg production through summer and using long light regime of 20 h light daily to induce cease of egg production |
| Keywords:
Laying Goose; Light Regime; Egg Production; Egg Characteristics |
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