Photoperiodic effects on performance and leg abnormalities in broiler chickens

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Science
• Animal Nutrition

Background:

• Photoperiod management is a critical factor influencing broiler performance and welfare.
• Understanding optimal light-dark cycles is essential for maximizing growth and minimizing health problems in commercial poultry production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of different photoperiodic programs on broiler chicken performance, feed efficiency, leg abnormalities, and mortality.
• To compare a constant long photoperiod (23H) with a short photoperiod (6H) and an increasing photoperiod (INC) program.

Main Methods:

• Three experiments were conducted comparing constant 23-hour (23H) and 6-hour (6H) photoperiods.
• An increasing photoperiod (INC) treatment was included in Experiment 3.
• Key performance indicators measured included body weight gain, feed-to-gain ratio, incidence of leg abnormalities, and mortality rates.

Main Results:

• Body weight gains showed inconsistent differences between 6H and 23H treatments across experiments.
• The 6H program generally resulted in superior feed-to-gain ratios and significantly reduced leg abnormalities and mortality compared to the 23H program.
• The INC treatment demonstrated significant advantages over the 23H program and comparable or superior results to the 6H program for specific metrics.

Conclusions:

• Photoperiod management significantly impacts broiler performance, with shorter or increasing light programs potentially offering benefits over constant long photoperiods.
• The 6H photoperiod effectively reduced leg abnormalities and mortality, suggesting improved welfare.
• The INC program presents a promising alternative for optimizing broiler production by balancing growth performance and health outcomes.