Green light during incubation: Effects on hatching characteristics in brown and white laying hens

Providing light during incubation is being investigated as a method to improve welfare in later life poultry. This would more closely approximate chicken natural environment compared the current darkness. Previous studies showed promising results of on broiler welfare, but little known about effects laying hens. Especially, information its hatching characteristics (hatch time, hatchability, chick quality, body weight and embryonic age death) scarce requires investigation both white brown egg layers. In study, Dekalb White (DW) ISA Brown (ISA) eggs were incubated complete darkness (dark) or light:dark cycle 12L:12D throughout (light), resulting four treatment groups: DW-dark, DW-light, ISA-dark, ISA-light. treatments, green LEDs 520nm wavelength used, at an intensity 400 lux. First, transmission through eggshell was measured 27 eggs. Then, analysis performed 711 chicks two consecutive experimental rounds. Light higher eggshells than (N = 27, p < 0.001). had no 711, ≥ 0.1). Despite difference between hybrids, there interaction hybrid 471, 0.06). Hatch time longer navel quality better DW ISA, while death lower (all Males females similar scores except for beak which males 486, 0.003). To conclude, did not negatively affect either nor hen hybrids. Future research should therefore focus potential benefits welfare.