Cores de luz durante o crescimento de codornas japonesas e sua influência na fase de produção

Abstract

Proper management of the breeding environment is essential for the maximization of productive potential, such as light, which is directly involved with the bird physiology. In order to understand the influence of the light program under Japanese quail, in that present study it was evaluated different colors of light applied in the breeding and rearing phases, its effect on growth, its influence on performance, egg production and body thermoregulation. A total of 1554 one-day-old female Japanese quail were used. The experimental treatments consisted of five different colors of light: yellow (Incandescent), white (Fluorescent and LED), blue, green and red (LED), totaling six treatments with seven replicates of 37 birds per experimental unit. They were applied throughout the growth phase (1 to 35 days of age). At 35 days of age, the birds were transferred to the posture shed where the zootechnical performance was recorded. In the growth phase, it was observed that birds exposed to white light (fluorescent and LED) presented lower body weight (p <0.05). Regarding the adjustment of the growth curve, the quail created under white light (fluorescent and LED), and green (LED) stabilized the body weight superior to the birds raised in the other colors of light. The different wavelengths influenced (p<0.05) the viscera development, especially red light, which in the breeding phase had a greater relative weight of the intestine and gizzard. In the rearing phase, a higher stromal weight was observed for birds raised under blue light. A s regards physiology, changes (p<0.05) in head temperature were observed, with quail raised under blue and green light (LED) presenting lower temperatures when compared to other colors of light. When analyzing body temperature, greater comfort was observed for birds raised under white light (LED), showing lower body surface temperature stabilization when compared to other colors of light. The different colors of light used in the breeding and rearing phases influenced (p<0.05) egg production of Japanese quail. Birds exposed to white light (fluorescent and LED) and yellow light (incandescent) throughout the growth phase were more efficient in increasing egg mass. There was significant egg production curve, with blue light (LED) being the earliest treatment, since the birds took less time to reach the posture peak. It is concluded that colors of light used in the breeding and rearing phases influence the growth, egg production and thermal homeostasis of Japanese quail. It is recommended white light use, with co mpact fluorescent lights or LED, in a light program for Japanese quail in growth phase, aiming in the laying phase increase egg mass.