Effects of Light Colour on Poultry Health and Welfare

Why are lighting characteristics important?

Light is crucial to the development of poultry because farmers seek to create the best circumstances for the birds to realize their full genetic potential. Considerations should be given to factors such light source type, wavelength, photoperiod (the arrangement of light-dark cycles), light intensity, and photosource organization.

A lot of study has been done on photoperiods and light intensity, but less has been done on the advantages of various light sources and wavelengths (colours).

Previous studies suggested that blue light might reduce stress and promote development in hens, but there were questions about whether the birds would miss visual cues when exposed to a single wavelength of light. Additionally, other research revealed that red light promoted egg formation, clouding the issue of what type of light is most useful.

Birds have different light perception systems from humans since they can see in both the visible and UV ranges, in addition to having light-sensing receptors in body parts other than the eyes. Through adjustments in hormone levels, the light information that the birds' brains process is crucial for controlling metabolism and the immune system.

Do broilers prefer 'warm' or 'cold' coloured light sources?

Light-Emitting Diodes, or LEDs, are energy-efficient replacements for the more prevalent fluorescent lighting found in poultry houses. Strong incentives to employ such devices come from volatile energy prices and the growing focus on environmentally friendly industrial techniques. Additionally, they have a lengthy useful life, which lowers maintenance and replacement expenses.

The study investigated the outcomes of two LEDs with various "color temperatures," as measured in Kelvin (K). This phrase describes how white and yellow light sources appear to be colored, with warmer-looking colors having lower color temperatures and vice versa.

In the investigation, two color temperatures were used in chicken buildings. The "neutral-white" light at 4,100 K is comparable to the color temperature of the light sources normally employed in Danish broiler houses.

The alternative light source, which has a color temperature of 6,065 K, is referred to as "cold-white" because it emits more light with blue spectral characteristics. This light was chosen because its color temperature mimics that of natural sunshine on a cloudy day in the tropics, making it look like the instinctive choice for an ancestor of current hens.

Benwei chicken coop lighting for egg production