Effects of light and temperature on anticipatory feeding by broilers

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Husbandry
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• Understanding broiler feeding behavior is crucial for optimizing growth and welfare.
• Environmental factors like light and temperature significantly influence poultry physiology and behavior.
• Anticipatory feeding, or feeding in expectation of a food source, is a key behavior in broiler chickens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of daily cycles in light intensity and temperature on anticipatory feeding behavior in broilers.
• To determine whether cyclic lighting or temperature is the primary driver of anticipatory feeding.
• To assess if a dark period is necessary for anticipatory feeding.

Main Methods:

• Broilers were housed in environmental chambers with controlled light and temperature cycles.
• Feed consumption was monitored electronically every 30 minutes over 2- and 24-hour periods.
• Experiments involved varying light intensities (16 lx vs. 94 lx) and temperatures (16°C vs. 32°C) during feeding periods.

Main Results:

• Cyclic lighting intensity, regardless of absolute levels, stimulated anticipatory feeding at the onset and end of feeding periods.
• Cyclic temperature alone did not induce anticipatory feeding at the end of the feeding period.
• Broilers increased feed consumption in response to declining temperatures, indicating sensitivity to thermal changes.

Conclusions:

• Anticipatory feeding in broilers is primarily mediated by cyclic changes in light intensity, not temperature.
• A period of darkness is not a prerequisite for anticipatory feeding behavior.
• Environmental conditions typical of commercial broiler houses can significantly alter feed consumption patterns.