The effect of supplementary ultraviolet wavelengths on broiler chicken welfare indicators

Abstract

HighlightsSupplementary UVA wavelengths improved feather condition in male broiler chickens.UV wavelengths reduced fear responses (tonic immobility duration) in broilers.UV wavelengths improved walking ability (Bristol gait Score) in broiler chickens.UV wavelengths have potential to improve broiler chicken welfare.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Adipose Metabolism Patterns and Secretion of Appetite-Related Endocrines on Chicken

“…Properly increasing the duration of continuous darkness or supplementing additional UVA can significantly reduce the ratio of tibial dyschondroplasia lesions, footpad dermatitis and hock burn score [ 7 , 131 , 132 ]. According to this, regulating the lighting time as well as type would affect avian feed intake and body weight.…”

“…According to this, regulating the lighting time as well as type would affect avian feed intake and body weight. Furthermore, increased continuous dark time could also reduce animal injury and increase animal comfort behavior [ 7 , 131 , 132 ] to decrease the cytokine produce and increase the welfare of poultry, and thereby jump off the vicious circle of inflammatory-cortisol increased-fat accumulation-inflammatory.…”

“…Excessive adipose accumulation can cause prolonged chronic inflammation in animals which may lead to cardiovascular disease and elevated cortisol, increasing mortality in animals [ 4 , 5 ]. In addition, excessive weight may also cause lesions in the feet and reduce the animal’s immunity [ 6 , 7 ]. Moreover, modern consumers are pursuing a healthy low-fat diet, meat which accumulates excessive fat is not popular.…”

Literature update on effective environmental enrichment and light provision in broiler chickens

“…Although windows may be incorporated into broiler houses, glass does not typically transmit any UVB wavelengths of light and the transmission of UVA wavelengths is limited depending on the type of glass used. Consequently, light from windows may not be representative of sunlight and/or does not appear "natural" to a chicken (James, et al, 2018).…”

“…The studies mentioned above suggest that unless animals are housed in otherwise barren environments, UVA wavelengths can potentially facilitate more harmonious interactions within the flock and promote the expression of natural behaviours. Floorhoused broiler chickens are therefore a good candidate for investigating the impacts of UV wavelengths on behaviour and welfare, as they are typically provided with substrate (litter) and have a short rearing period before the onset of maturity, which means that feather pecking is not an issue (James, et al, 2018). To date, there was only one study assessing the effects of UV wavelengths on welfare indicators of fast-growing broilers (see Table 9), and there are no studies that have assessed the effects of UV wavelengths in combination with environmental enrichments on behaviour and welfare of fast and slow-growing broilers.…”