Interrupting dark periods
Alternative lighting strategies that allow hens additional feeding opportunities during scotophase, or dark periods, can go a long way toward improving egg quality and bird welfare.
Interrupting dark periods can lead to higher eggshell-breaking strength, thickness and weight while upholding bone health, according to research presented at the 2024 International Poultry Scientific Forum by Alexis Clark, graduate student at Clemson University.
“Most eggshell formation happens during the scotophase when hens are not eating and do not have calcium available in the digestive tract,” Clark said.
“As a result, during late lay, it is not uncommon to see eggs with poor eggshell strength and birds with increased incidence of bone-health issues.”