Effects Of LFD Light Intensities On Behavioral And Productive Performances Of Broilers

In recent years, the light-emitting diode (LED) light sources have shown a high potential for replacing traditional incandescent lamps in broiler production facilities. LEDs offer clear advantages in energy efficiency and expected enhancements to production. However, the application of LED technology to broiler production is restricted because of the absence of basic theories about its uneven distribution of light intensity and subsequent impacts on broilers. For another, poultry welfare has been emphasized continuously for years. And poultry behavior and welfare are mainly affected by light intensity. However, the optimal intensity levels in poultry production are still inconclusive. Basing on the above problems, this research was conducted to study the effect of unevenly distributed yellow LED lights with different light intensities on the behavioral features, productive performance, carcass and bone characteristics of Xiaoshan female broilers. The main research contents and results were:(1) Compared the effects of90lx and60lx (MLI, the maximum light intensity at1.5m below the tube; the same below) unevenly-distributed lighting environments on behavioral preference and performance of broilers. No significant difference of performance was found between two groups. Young birds preferred to drink (P<0.05) in low intensity, while the adult birds preferred higher ones. Feed intake was slightlyaffected by light intensity. The video data showed that the birds showed a diurnal preference for LI (<2lx) and a nocturnal preference for MI. Young birds spent more time in high intensities than adult birds. A staged lighting regime and daily lighting time of less than16hrs might be more suitable to birds.(2) Compared the effects of different light intensities in90lx,75lx,60lx,45lx and30lx lighting environments on behavioral preference, performance and carcass traits of broilers etc. Overall performance was not affected by light intensity except for the slaughtering weight, with a latterly higher weight-gaining effect of low light intensity. Results of feeding and drinking preference were different from the former experiment, perhaps because of the difference in room temperature during the experiment. Early drinking behavior occurred more under higher intensities, while turned to lower intensities later. Feeding behavior mainly occurred in prophase and metaphase, mainly showing preference in higher intensities. Most indexes of carcass and bone features, including bone strength, showed no significant difference among all groups.Whereas the60lx group led to higher wing field.(3) Compared the effects of different light intensities in90lx,75lx,60lx,45lx,30lx and15lx lighting environments on behavioral preference, performance and carcass traits of broilers etc. In this experiment, lighting subzones in each light environment were independent with each other. Performance was still not affected by light intensity. No specific corresponding relation existed in water consumption and light intensity Light intensities influenced carcass traits erratically and influenced the tibial traits minorly, except that higher light intensity accidentally inhanced the slaughtering weight, wing and heart weight, as well as the tibial length.