STIMULATION OF FEEDING IN NEONATAL TURKEYS BY FLASHING LIGHTS

One thousand one hundred commercial Large White Turkey poults were used in two studies of neonatal feeding behaviour. The first experiment investigated the effect of flashing lights in the feeder on the approach response and some aspects of feeding behaviour. In the second study, a multichoice apparatus was used to determine the relative effectiveness of red, yellow, green and blue lights. In both experiments the lights were flashing throughout the first twenty minutes of each hour for the first six days posthatch, thereafter (6-12 days), commercial tube-type feeders were used. Experimental poults (exposed to flashing lights) began feeding, on average, six minutes sooner than control poults and generally spent more time in the vicinity of the feed trough. Overall, experimental poults consumed an average of 9% more feed than the control birds. This difference was most pronounced on the first day. Feed conversion was not affected by the treatment. Weight gains positively reflected the feed consumption trends. Mortality was reduced by half but starveout mortality was not affected. Poults preferred to feed near green coloured lights. © 1979.