Light program and quality of litter are important for forming of the
environment and have a direct impact on the performance and welfare of
broilers. In conditions of short-photoperiod, the welfare of broilers is
improved, but they lead to reduced body mass. In this sense, the aim of this
study was to investigate the effects of two light programs and two types of
litter on production and carcass characteristics of broilers of different
genotypes. Trial was conducted on 800 day-old chicks of genotype Hubbard
classic and Ross 308. For litter, two types of materials were used - chopped
straw and sawdust, the same thickness. Chickens were exposed to light program
with constant moderate photoperiod (LP1), and gradual extending of the
photoperiod (LP2). The results suggest that the LP2 would slow down the
initial growth of broilers and the occurrence of compensatory growth, without
any negative effect on the final body weight and production efficiency. LP1
effect was confirmed in increasing the yield of the carcass. The effects of
both light programs are not the result of their major influence, but they are
consequence of the interaction with genotype. From the point established of
production and carcass parameters in treatments with litter, the criteria for
selection of materials for the litter should include indicators of welfare,
as well as the availability and cost of certain materials. [Projekat
Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR-31033]