Poultry Science Terms - L
Laceration: jagged wound caused by a sharp edge slicing into the skin or organs
Lacing: border of contrast color around the entire web of a feather
Large fowl: original sized chicken (as opposed to Bantams (miniatures) large fowl typically range in size from 4 pounds to 13 pounds. This describes most of the common varieties of chickens but are often larger than many people realize. Light breeds of large fowl are primarily egg layers and lay white shelled eggs. Heavier breeds include the utility and meat breeds and typically lay brown eggs; Also called Standard
Large intestine: portion of the intestine that extends from the ileum to the anus, actually very short in birds, water absorption occurs here
Layer: female chicken in lay. Refers to mature female chickens kept solely for commercial egg production; laying hens
Layer cycle: period from the onset of lay until the natural moult causes a cessation of production. Usually used to describe the period during which an economic level of production is being maintained
Layer ration: any prepared feed containing all nutrients necessary for a layer to produce good quality eggs. This is available in mash, crumbles or pellets
Laying feed: commercially available feed formulated with extra calcium for laying hens
Leaker: egg that leaks because the shell and membrane are both broken
Leghorn: breed of chicken used to create the birds commonly used for commercial table egg production
Leukosis: disease of the blood forming organs
Lice: small insects that are external parasites for chickens and other fowl. Chicken lice can be gotten rid of with a louse powder
Lighting (artificial): The use of controlled artificial light to regulate the day length under which the stock are kept.
Limiting amino acid: amino acid in a diet that is the most deficient (without supplement) in a complete ration
Litter: bedding material, like wood shavings, rice hulls, shredded paper, or straw, scattered on the floor of a poultry house used in poultry houses to dilute fecal material, absorb moisture and manure, and provide cushioning for birds feet and breast
Liveability: expression used to describe the number of survivors in a flock.
Loose eggs: packed in trays, flats, or non-carton containers that have not been sized and candled for quality
Lopped comb: comb that falls to one side
Louse powder: dusting powder chemically treated to get rid of lice by applying it to the feathers of the bird
Luteinizing hormone (LH): gonadotrophic hormone produced by the pituitary gland that causes ovulation in female and testosterone secretion in male
Lux: unit of illumination equal to one lumen per square meter. Used to measure the brightness or intensity of light.
Lymphatic system: circulating system that contains the immune system's white blood cells
Lymphoma: cancer of the lymph system