June 20, 2020
Trial of XTi PAWS on Hy-line W36 layer hen growth and production, 7/2019 – 6/2020
Internal XTi Trial
Conclusion: Exposure of Hy-line W36 laying hens to XTi’s pulsed alternating wavelength system (PAWS) resulted in faster bird growth and earlier onset of maximal egg production compared to the control and Hy-line W36 breed standard. XTi light recipes can also facilitate manipulation of egg production via changes in photoperiod and light intensity.
Study Objectives:
- To evaluate the effect of XTi PAWS on growth and production of Hy-line W36 layer hens based on previous data from internal XTi trials as well as external commercial data.
- To assess the impact of differing XTi recipe intensities on previously assessed metrics.
Background:
- Previous studies on Hy-line W36 layer hens showed improved bird growth, egg production, and egg size distribution under XTi lighting.
- The best recipes from internal XTi trials as well as early external commercial trial data were used to determine recipes for both growth and lay phases.
- It was noted that ambient light at commercial facilities did not seem to negatively impact production of XTi lit birds.
Methods:
- The study was conducted at XTi’s research facility in northern Colorado.
- 500 Hy-line W36 pullets were obtained from a supplier on day 2. The birds were placed into 13 pullet tents. Pullets were placed under either XTi lighting or control lighting.
- XTi lighting was either 17hrs or 24hrs of light. Control lighting was set at 17hrs of light per industry standard.
- Birds were started on “grow” light recipes and changed to “lay” light recipes at week 14.
- Birds were transferred to lay battery cages at 10 weeks of age.
- Data was collected until birds were 46wks old.
- Birds were kept in commercial battery cages and fed standard 18% lay feed.
Results:
- Birds under XTi grow recipes showed a 17% increase in weight over the Hy-line W36 breed standard at 14 wks.
- Both 17hr and 24hr XTi lighting exceeded breed standard growth.
- Birds under XTi lighting once again reached maximal production 1-2 weeks earlier than breed standard.
- XTi recipe type, photoperiod, and light intensity all had an impact on egg production and egg size distribution.
- Egg case weights of XTi lit birds increased early and remained steady throughout the trial period.
Discussion:
- Previous trials had shown that XTI lighting can speed up early bird growth and sexual maturity. This trial confirmed those earlier results.
- This trial showed that subtle recipe changes, photoperiod, and light intensity can all impact egg production and egg size distribution.
- These results show that commercial producers could leverage light inputs to control flock outputs in a beneficial way.
- No negative health outcomes were noted for the birds – consistent across all trials.
- Animal behavior under XTi lighting is consistently improved: calmer, easier to handle birds.