The effect of light colors and feed ingredients on reproduction and nestling rowth in canaries (Serinus canaria)

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of different monochromatic LED light colors and two diets with different protein content on the growth performance, reproduction and behavioral characteristics of canaries. Materials and Methods: A total of 64 Nord Hollandes breeder canaries, 32 females and 32 males, were used in the experiment. The experiment was conducted in two independent units and 16 pairs of canaries were placed in each unit. Experiment groups: 1) White LED light and feed with 20% protein 2) White LED light and feed with 25% protein 3) Red-Green LED light and feed with 20% protein, and 4) Red-Green LED light and feed with 25% protein were formed in the form. The study was carried out according to the 2x2 (light color x protein content in feed) factorial design with 8 replications. In the experiment, the body weights, reproduction, hatchability and behavior characteristics of canaries were determined. Results: The effects of protein content in feed and sex on the body weight change in breeding canaries were found to be significant. In breeding season, monochromatic red LED light increased egg production. On the 10th, 15th and 20th days of the growth period, the young canary birds had higher body weight under monochromatic green light. In addition, feed with protein 25% was increased hatchability and was decreased embryo mortality. Light color and protein content affected hatchability and the number offspring leaving from nest to cage. Red-green light and feed containing 25% protein enabled canaries to produce more offspring. Also, red-green light was reduced the mortality of young canaries. Light color affected paternal behavior and the protein content in the feed affected also aggressive behavior canaries. It was revealed that canaries remained calmer in red-green light than in white light. Conclusion: The use of red LED light in the laying period and green LED light in the growth period of offspring had positive effects on their reproduction and growth characteristics of canaries. Keywords: Canary, LED light, feed protein, reproduction, growth