Light Regulation in Turkey Management

CONSIDERABLE information has been published recently about the stimulatory effect of light on turkey reproductive activity. The publications of Margolf et al. (1947), Asmundson et al. (1946), Asmundson and Moses (1950), Harper and Parker (1957, 1961), Marr et al. (1956), Ogasowara et al. (1959), McCartney et al. (1956), Eaton et al. (1960), Garland et al. (1961), Leighton (1960) and Leighton and Shoffner (1961a, b) attest to the interest in photoperiod response. Light intensity, length of day, and alteration of day-length have been shown to be important in photo-stimulation. The female turkey is also dark-dependent, being relatively insensitive to stimulation unless previously exposed to a short-day period. Maximizing egg production by light management has potential in several ways, such as onset of early lay and increased persistency during the normal season, as well as encouraging off-season production. The provision of a suitable environment for early and extended lay may be of …