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Effects of light intensity on growth performance, blood components, carcass characteristics, and welfare of broilers
This study investigated the effects of light intensity on growth performance, blood components, eye condition, and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Three hundred and fifty-two 1-day-old male chicks were assigned to one of four treatments (four repetitions per treatment, 22 birds per repe...
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Published in: | Journal of animal science and technology 2022-09, Vol.64 (5), p.985-996 |
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Main Authors: | , , , , |
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Subjects: | |
Citations: | Items that this one cites Items that cite this one |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | This study investigated the effects of light intensity on growth performance,
blood components, eye condition, and carcass characteristics of broiler
chickens. Three hundred and fifty-two 1-day-old male chicks were assigned to one
of four treatments (four repetitions per treatment, 22 birds per repetition) and
reared in a floor pen for 5 weeks. From the second week, chicks were reared
under four different levels of light intensity (5, 20, 35, and 50 lx) and the
lighting duration was maintained at 18-hours light : 6-hours dark (18L : 6D).
The feed intake and body weight were measured weekly. At 35 days of age, 12
birds per treatment were randomly selected for blood sampling, eye measurement,
and carcass analysis. There were no significant differences in body weight gain,
feed intake, and feed conversion ratio among treatments. Triglyceride levels in
the serum were significantly higher in the 5 lx treatment, and creatinine was
significantly lower in the 5 lx treatment (
p
< 0.05).
The heterophil : lymphocyte ratios decreased significantly as light intensity
increased (
p
< 0.05); however, other blood cell
compositions were not affected by light intensity. Interleukin-6 content was
significantly higher in the 5 lx treatment than in other treatments
(
p
< 0.05), but the content of tumor necrosis
factor-α was not significantly different among treatments. Serum
corticosterone concentration was significantly higher at 5 lx than at 20, 35,
and 50 lx (
p
< 0.05). The corneal diameter was the
highest in 5 lx treatment (
p
< 0.05), and tended to
increase as the light intensity decreased. Other eye parameters were not
significantly different among treatments, but displayed a tendency to increase
as the light intensity decreased. Carcass yield and part yields were not
affected by light intensity. Meat quality parameters (pH, color, cooking loss,
and water-holding capacity) did not show significant difference among the
treatments. The results indicate that a light intensity of 5 lx may increase
physiological stress or have a negative effect on broiler welfare, even if the
performance and carcass characteristics are not affected. Therefore, a light
intensity of 20 lx or above is recommended considering both the growth
performance and welfare of broilers. |
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ISSN: | 2672-0191 2055-0391 2093-6281 |
DOI: | 10.5187/jast.2022.e47 |