The effects of spot lighting on broiler performance and welfare

Abstract

In this study, the effects of spot lighting on performance and welfare in broiler production were investigated. The base performance criterions as body weight, feed conversion and mortality ratio organ weights were determined and also some visceral organ weights (bursa of Fabncius, spleen and liver), Tonic Immobility (TI) and gait score have been evaluated as welfare indicators. Day old chicks from a commercial hatchery divided into three group (n = 174) randomly one of them as a control and each experimental group separated into three subgroup (n = 58) make replications. In control groups 40 W filament bulbs were used as light source to provide approximately 10 lux light intensity on the bottom of the poultry house. In the each treatment groups, two halogen spot lamps were used to supply at different light intensities (10+10 vs. 10+5 lux) over two circular bottom spot of 1 m 2 diameter. Spot light (10+5 lux) has shown better (2297.07 g) live weight than the control groups. Similarly this group shown significantly (p<0.05) higher weight or relative weight in bursa of fabncius than the other experimental groups. As a conclusion, spotlights might be useful tool for the dim light applications without negatively affecting the performance and welfare of broilers. © Medwell Journals, 2012.