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This study was run to determine the effects of different feeding frequencies and lighting schedules on blood profiles, egg quality, hatchability traits, and sustainable indices of Fayoumi laying hens under conditions of heat stress that are prevailing in Egypt. Two hundred and seventy laying hens of Fayoumi laying hens (age, 18 weeks) were randomly allocated to a 3×3 factorial treatment arrangement within a completely randomized experimental design for 18 weeks under heat-stressed (about 78 THI) conditions. Three feeding frequencies were included in the treatments. The treatments were a combination of three feeding intervals (F1, once daily; F2, twice daily; F3, three times daily) and three light schedules (L1, 5 am-10 pm; L2, 5 pm-10 am; L3, 6 am-11 pm). There were significant interactions (P<0.05) between feeding frequency and lighting schedule for the majority of the measured parameters, indicating that the optimization of a single factor is not enough. Combinations involving multiple daily feedings (F2 and F3) and adjusted lighting (L2 and L3), shifted away from peak heat, generally improved red blood cell characteristics (RBC, Hb, and Ht%), eggshell thickness, yolk color, fertility, and hatchability compared to single feeding (F1) or standard daytime light (L1). Leukocyte profiles (WBC and H/L ratio) were relatively unaltered. The present findings demonstrate that integrated management has a significant effect on the hen's physiology and productivity when subjected to heat stress. It is advisable to refrain from single daily feeding and daylight lighting (only) during the daytime (5 am-10 pm) under heat challenge.
Zaid et al. (Wed,) studied this question.