The Effect of Duck Targeted Lighting Programs on Productivity, Health, and Welfare

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Science
• Animal Welfare

Background:

• Conventional lighting programs may not optimize poultry welfare.
• Understanding the impact of lighting on duck stress and fear is crucial for improving husbandry practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of a dynamic LED lighting program (DDYNs) versus a conventional program (CON) on Pekin duck growth, health, stress, and fear.
• To determine if tailored lighting can enhance welfare without compromising production.

Main Methods:

• 960 Pekin ducks were used in a comparative study with two lighting treatments (DDYNs vs. CON) over two replicates.
• Growth performance, health indicators (tibia strength, blood counts, gut morphology), stress markers (asymmetry, H/L ratio, corticosterone), and fear responses (tonic immobility, inversion) were assessed.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in growth or health parameters were found between the DDYN and CON groups.
• The DDYN program significantly reduced stress indicators, including plasma corticosterone, heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and physical asymmetry.
• Fear responses were significantly lower in ducks exposed to the DDYN lighting program.

Conclusions:

• Species-tailored dynamic LED lighting (DDYNs) can improve Pekin duck welfare by reducing stress and fear.
• The DDYN lighting program offers a promising strategy for enhancing animal welfare in commercial duck production without negative effects on performance.