Performance of Broilers Reared under Monochromatic Light Emitting Diode Supplemental Lighting

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of green monochromatic light emitting diodes (LED) or white fluorescent lamps on the growth performance of broilers reared in open houses. Two hundred broilers (Ross 308) were sexed and divided into four treatments, according to sex and supplemental light source: T1, males under green LED; T2, males under fluorescent lamps; T3, females under green LED; and T4, females under fluorescent lamps, totaling 50 birds per treatment with five replicates each (n=10). Broilers of both sexes received natural light during the day and supplemental lighting (fluorescent or LED) during the night, according to age. Individual body weight, mortality, and feed intake were recorded weekly per replicate. Feed conversion ratio and the European Efficiency Index (EEI) were calculated. Data were analyzed by a two-way ANOVA. The results indicated differences (p< 0.05) in female body weight in week 6, (2202.31 ± 32.93g green LED vs 2191.08 ± 62.13g fluorescent lamp), but no differences in daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, or mortality were detected. However, the use of green LED promoted higher EEI in males in weeks 5, 6, and 7, and in females in week 5 (p < 0.05). Green monochromatic LED may be used for supplemental lighting of male broilers reared in open houses with natural light. Its use for female broilers is recommended if the birds are marketed up to 5 weeks of age. IntRoduCtIonBroiler production systems of broilers present different management and facility characteristics, leading the producers to apply alternatives to increase production efficiency. Among the features that enable sustainability of animal production systems, the highest productivity per area is essential, making of environmental control a key component of farm profitability. Artificial lighting programs have a proven influence on weight gain and feed conversion ratio (Abreu et al., 2011), because they can be used as an exogenous element for the control of physiological and behavioral processes. Their manipulation modulates circadian rhythms, body temperature, and feed intake and digestion in poultry. Lighting is necessary for the bird's vision, influencing visual acuity and color discrimination (Calvet et al., 2009). Light color modifies the patterns of secretion of hormones related to growth, maturation, and reproduction (Olanrewaju et al., 2006).The lighting process consumes a significant part of the electrical energy used on the farm. Fossil fuels used for electric power generation are becoming more difficult and expensive to obtain, and produce CO 2 emissions to the troposphere (Peñuelas and Carnicer, 2010). Additionally, Mexico's government regulation established that incandescent bulbs are would not allowed to be sold after December 554

Impact of different light colors in behavior, welfare parameters and growth performance of Fayoumi broiler chickens strain

“…This was also reported by Olanrewaju et al, (2011), who found that light was one of the major environmental factors for poultry production that influences growth development and physiological functioning. The light wavelength affected broiler performance, including of those reared in open houses with natural (solar) lighting, which are frequent in tropical climates (Guevara et al, 2015).…”

Effects of Monochromatic Light on Performance, Egg Quality, Yolk Cholesterol and Blood Biochemical Profile of Laying Hens

“…Similarly, Fayoumi chickens maintained under blue light feel better welfare than exposed to yellow, red, green lights (Hesham et al, 2018). Green monochromatic LED resulted in higher body weight marketed up to 7 or 5 week of age male or female respectively (Guevara et al, 2015). Whereas Leigh et al, (2017) reported that broiler performance was similar under white, green, blue, red LED lights.…”

Design of Artificial Lighting in Broiler Housing

“…Lighting system is off from 1:35 to 3:05, from 13:35 to 15:05 throughout the entire cycle. According to Halevy et al (2006); Guevara et al (2015); Yang et al (2016), the light management is an effective tool to improve poultry performance. Switching automation and light colour for the turn will be set as shown in Fig.…”