Effects of four dim vs high intensity red color light regimens on growth performance and welfare of broilers

Abstract

ObjectiveBroilers show clear preference towards red color light (RL). However setting of an optimum light intensity is difficult since dim intensities that favor growth reduce welfare. This experiment was conducted to test the most effective RL intensity regimen (Dim [5 lux; DI] vs high [320 lux; HI]) in combination applied at different growth stages that favors for both performance and welfare.MethodsComplete randomize design was adopted with 6 replicates. Treatments were; T1 = early DI (8–21 d)+latter HI (22–35 d); T2 = early DI (8–28 d)+latter HI (29–35 d), T3 = early HI (8–21 d)+latter DI (22–35 d), T4 = early HI (8–28 d)+latter DI (29–35 d) and T5 = control (white light; WT) (8–35 d) at medium intensity (20 lux). Body weight (BW), weight gain (WG), water/feed intake and ratio, feed conversion ratios (FCR) were assessed. Common behaviours (15) were recorded by scan sampling method. Lameness, foot pad dermatitis, breast blisters, hock burning damage were assessed as welfare parameters. Fear reactions were tested using Tonic Immobility Test. Ocular and carcass evaluations were done. Meat and tibiae were analyzed for fat and bone ash respectively.ResultsOn 35 d, the highest BW (2,155.72±176 g), WG (1,967.78±174 g) were recorded by T2 compared to WT (BWWT = 1,878.22±155, WGWT = 1,691.83±160). But, application of RL, either DI, or HI during early/latter stage had no significant effect on FCR. Under HI, birds showed much higher active behaviours. DI encourages eating. Though LI changed from DI to HI, same trend could be seen even under HI. The highest leg strength (218.5±120 s) was recorded by T2. The lowest leg strength (64.58±33 s) and the highest ocular weight (2.48±1 g) were recorded by T1. Significantly (p<0.05) the highest skin weight (162.17±6 g) but the lowest fat% in meat (13.03%±5%) was recorded by T2.ConclusionEarly exposure to DI-RL up to 28 days followed by exposure to HI-RL is the most favorable lighting regimen for optimizing production, better welfare of broilers and improving health benefits of meat.

Growth, carcass traits, immunity and oxidative status of broilers exposed to continuous or intermittent lighting programs

“…This strain has several commercial impressions on poultry markets and has a unique growth rate and yielding ability characteristics compared to other available strains [12]. Therefore, rare studies had been performed to evaluate the effect of different lighting programs and comparing with continuous programs to obtain the best growth performance by reducing the drawbacks of high growth rate, feed consumption and considering maintaining the immune system in maximum growth on broilers [13].…”

Literature update on effective environmental enrichment and light provision in broiler chickens

“…As shown in table 10, little is known on the preference of broiler chickens for certain light colours. It seems that broilers show a preference towards red colour light (Senaratna, et al, 2018), which may be explained by the increased levels of activity found when birds are exposed to red light at different periods or throughout the entire rearing period. Nevertheless, colour preference tests have been hardly applied in experiments where lighting parameters were investigated in broilers.…”

“…Nevertheless, colour preference tests have been hardly applied in experiments where lighting parameters were investigated in broilers. Next to that, setting of an optimum light intensity is difficult since dim intensities that favour growth reduce welfare (Senaratna, et al, 2018). Thus, studies where colour preferences are tested are needed, and when possible, also in combination with the testing of most effective intensity schedules that favours both performance and welfare in broiler chickens.…”