Diurnal variation in heat production related to some physical activities in laying hens

Yuzhi Li, Toshio Ito, Sadaki Yamamoto

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

1. Heat production, standing and eating activities, and hourly food intake of 4 laying hens were observed simultaneously and the effects of activity and food intake on heat production were studied. 2. Average heat production during the dark period (20.00 to 06.00 h) was 18.9 kJ/kgW0-75h which was 33% lower than that during the light period. About 76% of the light-dark difference in the rate of heat production was probably associated with activity and posture. 3. Standing time, which included a range of behavioural activities, occupied 90% of the light period and the increased rate of heat production associated with standing was estimated to be about 18% of daily heat production. 4. Eating time occupied 40% of the light period; the heat production associated with eating activity represented about 5% of daily heat production or 3% of ME intake. 5. Because the regression of heat production on time spent eating agreed with the regression of heat production on hourly food intake, it is suggested that the energy expenditure associated with ad libitum feeding can be estimated for hens from the regression of heat production on hourly food intake.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)821-827
Number of pages7
JournalBritish Poultry Science
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 1991

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