Broiler performance when reared under various light sources

Three trials were conducted to determine if modern energy-efficient light sources, which vary in wavelength emission, affect broiler growth performance. The effect of light source on growth performance was determined by measuring body weight, feed conversion, and livability at intervals throughout rearing and at market age in three flocks of approximately 3,600 broilers each. Illuminance within the light-proof experimental facility was approximately 5 1x and photoregimen was 1 h dark:23 h light. Trial 1 compared incandescent (IN), warm white fluorescent (WWF), and daylight fluorescent (DLF) light sources. The WWF source provided superior body weight compared to IN light but feed conversion ratios were similar. Both IN and WWF light sources resulted in better body weight and feed conversion than that of the DLF light source. Trial 2 used IN, WWF, DLF, PL-5 fluorescent (PLF), design white fluorescent (DWF), and high pressure sodium (HPS) light sources. The PLF source resulted in mean body weight significantly higher than those produced by IN, HPS, and DWF. No other significant differences were observed. Trial 3 used IN, WWF, DLF, PLF, HPS, and low pressure sodium (LPS) light sources. Feed conversion for the HPS treatment was superior to that of PLF and LPS treatments. No other significant differences were observed. Light source did not affect livability in any of the trials. These trials demonstrated that energy-efficient light sources varying in wavelength emission may affect broiler growth performance, but consistent differences were not observed. Generally, IN light sources may be replaced with more energy-efficient light sources without adverse effects on broiler growth performance.