Effect of Light Regime and Age on Reproduction of Turkeys ,

THERE is an increased demand for out-of-season poults for the fresh young tom and hen turkey market. The problems in reproducing turkeys are difficult during the normal spring breeding season but are even more difficult for out-of-season poult production. The first obstacle to overcome is that of obtaining egg production levels which at least approach those obtained during the spring. Up to this time such levels of production have rarely been attained. It would appear however, that proper manipulation of artificial lights may provide at least part of the answer to the problem. Once optimum light environment is obtained, the geneticist can then attempt to develop genotypes for higher levels of production during the various seasons of the year, and eventually throughout the year. One common characteristic in all birds is the definite initiation of reproductive cycles as hours of daylight or artificial light increase during the spring. Bissonnette (1931)…