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Does light color during brooding and rearing impact broiler productivity?
B M Remonato Franco1, T Shynkaruk1, T Crowe2
1Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon S7N 5A8 SK, Canada.
Specific light colors like blue and green had minimal impact on broiler production when light intensity was equalized. Equalized light intensity and balanced spectral sensitivity mean specific light colors do not significantly improve broiler productivity in commercial settings.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Poultry Science
- Agricultural Engineering
Background:
- Inconsistent literature exists regarding the impact of light color on broiler production during brooding and rearing.
- Understanding light spectrum effects is crucial for optimizing broiler performance and welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of different LED light wavelength spectra (blue, green, white) on broiler performance.
- To evaluate these effects across two distinct broiler genotypes (Ross YPMx708 and EPMx708) and sexes.
Main Methods:
- Broilers (n=14,256) were raised from day 0 to 35 under blue, green, or white LED light at consistent intensities.
- A 3x2x2 factorial design (wavelength x sex x genotype) was employed, with two trials conducted.
- Data analysis utilized Proc Mixed (SAS 9.4) with trial as a random block and wavelength nested within rooms.
Main Results:
- White light resulted in heavier birds at day 7 compared to blue or green light, and heavier than green at day 14.
- No significant differences were observed in feed intake, gain-to-feed efficiency, or flock uniformity at days 15 and 28.
- Mortality differed at week 5, with higher rates under white light compared to blue light; genotype and sex significantly impacted growth, feed conversion, and mortality patterns.
Conclusions:
- Equalizing light intensity and balancing for spectral sensitivity minimizes the impact of specific light colors (blue, green) on broiler production.
- The use of specific light colors does not appear to offer significant advantages for broiler productivity in commercial settings.
- Genotype and sex are more significant factors influencing broiler performance and mortality than the tested light spectra.
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