Effect of Lighting Programs on Compensatory Growth of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The aim of the experiment was to study the influence of lighting programmes on compensatory growth and carcass criteria of broiler chickens. A total number of 120 (one hundred twenty) Ross broiler chicks, one day old were equally divided into 3 treatments of 40 chicks each and further divided into 4 replicates (10 chicks/ replicate). The experimental lighting regime treatments were as follows: continuous, light stimulation and intermittent lighting. The results showed that the birds exposed to T1, and C achieved the highest BW and BWG compared to birds exposed to intermittent lighting. During the period from (0-6) wks of age, birds in groups (C) and (T1) achieved an increase in BWG and improved FCR than the group in (T2). In conclusion results suggested the application of a light stimulation better performance minimizing electricity costs.