Effects of Light Restriction on Broiler Performance and Specific Body Structure Measurements

Abstract

This experiment was conducted over a 42-day period to determine the effect of light restriction on performance parameters and specific body structure measurements of male broilers. The two light treatments studied were 23 hr light:1 hr dark (control) and 12 hr light:12 hr dark (restricted). Measurements taken during the experiment were body weight, feed conversion, livability, length of shank and keel, and tibiotarsal weight and strength. The results of this experiment showed that light restriction significantly decreased body weight but significantly improved feed conversion. Additionally, shank length was significantly decreased by light restriction. Keel length and tibiotarsal weight and strength were not significantly affected by the light restriction treatment.