Abstract
Lighting is the important factor for egg production in the avian species. The present study was carried out to clarify the influence of change of lighting in the relation to the time of oviposition and egg producing abilities in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).
The experiment was performed by exposing the quail to artificial lightings; i.e., 12L-12D (L: light, D: dark), 14L-10D, 16L-8D, 20L-4D and 24L-0D. The time of oviposition, rate of egg production, egg weight, feed convertion and daily egg output were recorded. The results obtained were as follows.
A peak of oviposition was observed at about 11 hours after the onset of light in 14L-10D and 16L-8D, but in 20L-4D and 24L-OD, their ovipositions were found at any time. The average time interval among successive ovipositions tended to extend with lengthening the lighting time. Simultaneously, egg weight increased and the rate of ovulation within 40 minutes after oviposition decreased. Rate of egg production, feed convertion and daily egg output were the best in 20L-4D, but there was no significant difference between 16L-8D and 20L-4D (except egg weight).
