The Effect of Three Lighting Regimes on Broiler Performance

Abstract

The effect of three lighting regimes on broiler performance was determined. An environmentally controlled poultry house with 12 light controlled chambers was utilized and chicks received A) continuous illumination, B) illumination for 12 hours followed by 15 minutes of illumination each 2 hours or C) 15 minutes illumination each 2 hours. Two trials were conducted using 1920 male broiler chicks. No significant differences were found in body weight at 4 and 7 weeks of age in either trial. No significant differences were found in feed efficiency between the three regimes at 4 weeks of age; however, in both trials at 7 weeks of age feed gain ratio was significantly reduced for both intermittent programs. No significant differences were found in breast blisters among the three treatments.