This experiment investigated the potential of white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as an indoor artificial light source for Brown Tsaiya ducks. A total of 144 birds (16 weeks old, average body weight: 1270 g) were randomly allocated to three light-source treatment groups, all providing 16 hours of light per day: white fluorescent tubes with sunlight, white LEDs with sunlight, and white LEDs only. The birds were moved into individual cages at 16 weeks of age, and a two-week adaptation period was provided. Eggs were then collected for three consecutive days every two weeks to determine egg quality. Duck behaviour was observed at 27, 31, and 35 weeks of age. Blood samples were collected at 18, 26, 34, and 42 weeks of age and the oestradiol and progesterone concentrations were determined. Although significant differences in egg-laying performance were observed during some periods of the trial, there was no substantial difference between the treatment groups in the average laying performance across the entire experimental period. Regarding egg quality, significant differences between the treatment groups were only observed at a few isolated time points. The three light treatments had no significant effects on duck behaviour or blood hormone concentrations. Based on the results of this trial, white LEDs have no significant negative effects on egg quality and egg-laying performance. Furthermore, LEDs were more efficient and resulted in a decrease in the total cost. White LEDs could thus serve as a beneficial alternative artificial illumination choice for laying duck houses.

(Submitted 16 May 2025; Accepted 27 May 2026; Published 10 June 2026)