Effect of light intensity on live performance and processing characteristics of broilers.
R J Lien1, J B Hess, S R McKee
1Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5416, USA. lienrog@auburn.edu
Poultry Science
|April 19, 2008
Summary
Lower light intensity (0.1 footcandles) in broiler chickens significantly increased body weight and feed consumption. This dim light strategy improved growth performance and carcass part weights without negatively impacting feed conversion or mortality.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Poultry Science
- Agricultural Engineering
Background:
- Optimizing broiler chicken growth and carcass yield is crucial for the poultry industry.
- Light intensity and photoperiod programs are known to influence avian physiology and performance.
- Understanding the impact of varying light intensities under controlled photoperiods is essential for efficient broiler production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of different light intensities (15 footcandles vs. 0.1 footcandles) on broiler live performance.
- To evaluate the impact of these light intensities on broiler carcass characteristics and yields.
- To determine the efficacy of an increasing photoperiod program in conjunction with varying light intensities.
Main Methods:
- 1,080 male broiler chickens were housed in 12 rooms under two light intensity treatments: Bright (15 FC) and Dim (0.5 FC for 1-9 days, then 0.1 FC for 9-51 days).
- Both treatments utilized an identical increasing photoperiod program from 1 to 51 days of age.
- Live performance (body weight, feed consumption, mortality) and carcass processing characteristics (weights and yields of various parts) were measured.
Main Results:
- Broilers under the Dim light intensity treatment exhibited significantly greater body weight (4.7%) and feed consumption (3.9%) at 51 days.
- Light intensity did not influence feed conversion, mortality rates, or body weight uniformity.
- The Dim treatment resulted in proportionally greater weights of lean carcass, breast, fillets, tenders, and legs, with increased wing weight (9.9%) and reduced fat pad yield.
Conclusions:
- Providing lower light intensity (0.1 FC) via an increasing photoperiod program proportionally increases broiler body weight and feed consumption.
- This lighting strategy enhances the weights of most carcass parts, with only minor impacts on overall yields.
- Dim light intensity offers a viable method to improve broiler growth performance and specific carcass part development.
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