In a recent study, scientists compared the effects of a light spectrum specifically designed for broilers (BSL) with conventional white LED lighting (WL). The goal was to see how this specific light affects productivity and certain hormonal levels in broilers.
Research Method
For the experiment, two groups of female Ross 308 broilers were kept: one under WL and the other under BSL, each with 9000 animals. The body weight (BW) of 150 randomly selected animals per group was measured weekly. At the end of the 29-day cycle, droppings and feathers were collected from 20 animals per group.
Results
The results were striking. The broilers under BSL had a higher final weight than those under WL (1407 ± 11 g vs. 1341 ± 15 g, respectively). Additionally, the BSL broilers showed higher weight uniformity (76.8% vs. 61.2% within 10% of the average).
Hormonal Analysis
Although there was no difference in the concentrations of corticosterone (fCC) and dehydroepiandrosterone (fDHEA) in the feathers between the groups, a higher concentration of glucocorticoids (GCMs) was found in the droppings of the BSL group. This indicates higher glucocorticoid secretion before sampling, with no difference in androgens (AMs).
Conclusion
The use of broiler-specific light appears to improve the productivity of broilers without long-term consequences for HPA-axis activation. These findings are promising, but given the nature of this pilot study in a commercial farm setting, the results must be interpreted with caution and further confirmed.
By integrating this new light spectrum, the poultry industry could potentially improve the efficiency and welfare of their animals, offering both economic and ethical benefits.
The ONCE NatureDynamics for broilers enables optimization of spectrum and intensity over a defined schedule. The Junglite recipe defines the optimized lighting conditions that borrow from nature and result in scientifically proven improvements in production and welfare for broilers.
Read more about the research here!
