Behavioural Response and Weight of Broiler Chickens Reared Under Different Artificial Light Sources

This study evaluated the behavioural response and weight of broiler birds at the 4th and 6th week of age when raised under incandescent (ICD) and compact fluorescent light (CFL). At 2 weeks of age, a total of 216 Arbor Acres birds were randomly allotted into 3 treatments: Control (no artificial light), ICD (60 watts, 800 lm) and CFL (40 watts, 2000 lm). Artificial lighting was provided from 8 p. m. to 4 a. m. daily. Data collected were subjected to One-way ANOVA using Minitab 17 through a general linear model (GLM) procedure and means were separated using Tukey’s test software. At 4 weeks of age, the presence of light significantly increased (P < 0.05) the weight, as well as the occurrence of feeding, drinking, sitting, standing, walking, running and jumping behaviour. ICD and CFL had similar effects on feeding and jumping behaviour. At 6 weeks of age, the presence of light had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the frequency of drinking and jumping behaviour. However, the weight, the frequency of feeding, standing, walking and running behaviour increased (P < 0.05) under the two light sources compared to the control. Also, birds raised under CFL displayed a higher frequency (P < 0.05) of inactive/resting and locomotor behaviour compared to birds reared under ICD which had a higher frequency of drinking behaviour. From this study, the use of CFL throughout the production stages is encouraged in poultry facilities due to the resultant increase in the activity levels of broilers and the reduced energy cost.