How many hours of light is required to stimulate egg production?

Egg production in poultry, particularly in hens, is influenced significantly by the duration of light exposure. The correct range of 15-16 hours of light is optimal for stimulating egg production. This is based on the natural behavior of hens, which require sufficient light duration to trigger their reproductive systems.

The exposure to light mimics the natural day length that hens would experience in the spring and summer months, promoting hormonal changes that lead to increased egg laying. Provides the necessary cues for the hens' reproductive cycle, thereby enhancing their productivity.

In contrast, shorter light durations, such as those suggested in the other options, do not provide the same level of stimulation for egg production. Less than the optimal range may lead to decreased egg yields or even suspension of laying, as hens interpret this as a signal to slow down or stop reproduction in response to shorter days. Therefore, the understanding of light exposure is critical in poultry management practices, particularly in commercial egg production.