BODY-WEIGHT AND EGG-PRODUCTION OF EGYPTIAN GIMMIZAH FOWL AS AFFECTED BY MONTH OF LAYING, PHOTOPERIODISM AND DIETARY CALCIUM LEVEL

The 3 photoperiodic treatments of natural day light, continuous light and 16 hr light: 8 hr dark were applied to Gimmizah fowl. Three ration s differing only in calcium (2.50, 3.25 and 4.00%) within each photope riodism were used during 6 successive laying months after first egg wa s laid on May. Body weight at maturity, some egg production and egg qu ality traits, some hatching results and feed conversion were recorded. Month of laying significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01) affected traits stu died except fertility slid hatchability percentages. Weights of egg, a lbumen and yolk were lower during the first 3 laying months than the l ater 3 months. Feed intake increased gradually from May to July and be came constant till October while the only a wider feed conversion rati o was in May. August -2.5% calcium level intersection exerted high egg weight average. Photoperiodism significantly (P<0.05 and 0.01) affect ed live body weight, rate of laying (%) and yolk index. Natural photop eriodism and 2.5% dietary calcium level were favourable in feed conver sion. Dietary calcium level significantly (P<0.05) affected shell weig ht only.