The effects of light illuminance and wavelength on the growth of broiler chickens

Abstract

SUMMARYThe effects of light illuminance and wavelength on the growth of male and female broiler chickens from day-old to 8 weeks of age were studied.Different coloured lights, at equal illuminance and peak wavelengths of 425, 525 and 610 nm and a broad-spectrum white light of median wavelength 560 nm had no significant effect on the growth rate or cumulative food intake of birds of either sex.The performance of male broilers was unaffected by light of different illuminances, equal to 0·7, 3·0, 15·0 and 46·5 lux. The weight gain of female broilers, adjusted for food intake, was progressively depressed at illuminances above 3 lux.There is probably no commercial advantage in using broad-spectrum white light at intensities above 3 lux.