Feeding Behavior of Chicks under Three Lighting Regimens

Abstract

Individual eating patterns of broiler chicks from day 1 to 20 days of age were determined under three lighting regimens: 12 hr light and 12 hr dark (LD); constant lighting (LL); and constant darkness (DD). Growth rates were significantly higher under the LL and DD schedules. Feed efficiency was best for the LL group and poorest in the DD chicks. Average time spent eating at the end of 20 days was 12 to 15 min/hr for the LL and DD chicks and 25 min for the LD birds. Chicks under LD did not eat in the dark but learned to anticipate lights out, as indicated by significantly more time spent eating and longer meals 2 to 3 hr prior to lights out. Chicks under the LL and DD regimens ate every hour around the clock. Regardless of lighting regimen, significantly more time was spent eating when the caretaker was present from 0800 to 0900 hr daily. Within group variance was least for the LL chicks and greatest in the DD chicks, probably due to difficulty locating the feed containers and water bottles in total darkness. In addition to selecting chicks for efficiency of feed utilization, growth and egg production, behavioral criteria such as feed consumption per hour, and number of meals per day should be considered.