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 rations differing only in calcium (2.50, 3.25 and 4.00\%) within each photoperiodism were used during 6 successive laying months after first egg was laid on May. Body weight at maturity, some egg production and egg quality traits, some hatching results and feed conversion were recorded. Month of laying significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01) affected traits studied except fertility slid hatchability percentages. Weights of egg, albumen and yolk were lower during the first 3 laying months than the later 3 months. Feed intake increased gradually from May to July and became constant till October while the only a wider feed conversion ratio was in May. August -2.5\% calcium level intersection exerted high egg weight average. Photoperiodism significantly (P<0.05 and 0.01) affected live body weight, rate of laying (\%) and yolk index. Natural photoperiodism and 2.5\% dietary calcium level were favourable in feed conversion. Dietary calcium level significantly (P<0.05) affected shell weight only.