May 20, 2022
Trial of XTi PAWS on Hy-line W80 layer hen growth and production, 4/2020 – 5/2022
Internal XTi Trial
Conclusion: Exposure of Hy-line W80 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 W80 breed standard. XTi lighting can also manipulate egg size distribution via changes to XTi recipes.
Study Objectives:
- To evaluate the effect of various XTi PAWS recipes on growth and production of Hy-line W80 layer hens based on previous data from internal XTi trials as well as external commercial data.
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 was used to determine recipes for both the “grow” and “lay” phases.
- It was previously 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.
- 259 Hy-line W80 chicks were obtained from a supplier on day 2. The birds were placed into 7 pullet tents. Pullets were placed under either XTi lighting or control lighting.
- XTi lighting was either 17hrs or 24hrs of light, with or without ambient white 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.
- The initial trial lasted 51 wks. Additional light recipe changes were then made, and data was collected up until 108 weeks.
- Birds were kept in commercial battery cages and fed standard 18% lay feed.
Results:
- Birds under XTi grow recipes (with or without ambient light) showed an increase in weight over the Hy-line W80 breed standard at 9 wks.
- Both 17hr and 24hr XTi lighting exceeded breed standard growth.
- Birds under XTi lighting once again reached maximal production earlier than the breed standard.
- XTi lit birds showed an improved egg-size distribution and maintained this out to 72 wks.
Discussion:
- Previous trials had shown that XTI lighting can speed up early bird growth and sexual maturity. This trial confirmed that those earlier results are also applicable to Hy-line W80 layers.
- Adding ambient light to the XTi “grow” recipes did not negatively impact bird growth and development.
- Different XTi recipes can change egg size distribution. These changes can be made in mature birds.
- 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.