How Light Affects Poultry Production, Welfare, and Egg Laying

Light plays a crucial role in poultry production, impacting both the behavior and well-being of laying hens and growing broiler chickens. In this article, we’ll delve into the effects of different light spectrums, optimal brightness levels, and management strategies for successful poultry operations. Regardless of the type or plan you implement remember to only increase the time of light (day) by 30 minutes per week no more. If not, you will actually stress the birds out and cause other issues that will slow down the progress. If your lighting birds that are outside it is also important to add the time to the morning and let your lights go off an hour or so before dark that way they are able to roost naturally.

Laying Hens: The Influence of Light

1. Natural-Derived Light Spectrums

Research has shown that laying hens exhibit preferences for natural lighting conditions. When exposed to light closely resembling natural daylight or forest understory conditions (similar to their ancestral habitat), hens display positive behavioral responses1. These effects are likely due to the presence of ultraviolet (UV) light, which plays a crucial role in visual performance for birds.

2. Red Light and Egg Production

● Red light is vital for stimulating sexual maturity and egg production in laying hens. Birds exposed to red light consistently exhibit higher egg production compared to those under blue, green, or white light2.

● The specific spectral composition matters less than ensuring sufficient light intensity and other quality factors in the housing environment.

3. Optimal Conditions for Laying Hens

● Duration: Adjusting light duration is essential. Decreasing light duration during pullet growth and increasing it during the laying phase helps optimize egg production. The standard recommendation is 16 hours of light per day for maximum production.

● Spectrum: Laying hens benefit from lights with a sufficient red spectrum (around 2700K–3000K). Understanding color spectra (expressed in degrees Kelvin) aids in selecting appropriate bulbs.

● Intensity: Light intensity matters. Below 5 lux is too dark for proper growth, while over 50 lux may cause nervousness. Dimming to 10–15 lux after the brooding period (up to 14 weeks) is advisable3.

Growing Broiler Chickens: The Impact of Light

1. Green and Blue Light

● Broilers reared under green light experience early and sustained growth increases, while those under blue light show late growth improvements compared to red or white light. Plasma testosterone levels also rise under these conditions4.

● Longer wavelengths in red light stimulate hypothalamic photoreceptors and enhance reproduction in birds. Red-light-reared hens start laying eggs earlier and exhibit higher egg production2.

2. Optimal Conditions for Broiler Chickens

● Duration: Adjust light duration based on growth phases. Longer light exposure during early brooding can enhance skeletal muscle development.

● Spectrum: Green and blue light stimulate muscle cell proliferation and protein synthesis. Consider using these spectrums to optimize growth.

● Intensity: Maintain light intensity between 30–50 lux during brooding and dim to 10–15 lux afterward5.

Light Sources in Poultry Houses

● Incandescent bulbs: Least expensive but have limited bulb life.

● Fluorescent bulbs: More efficient and longer-lasting than incandescent lamps.

● LED bulbs: Technologically advanced and customizable for optimal spectral composition3.

In summary, understanding light’s impact on poultry behavior, growth, and production is essential for creating successful poultry operations. By replicating natural spectrums and ensuring appropriate intensity, we can enhance welfare and maximize productivity in our feathered friends. 🐔🌞