Effect of fan induced photoperiod on live performance and yield of male broiler chickens

Authors: Purswell, Joseph - Jody; Olanrewaju, Hammed

Submitted to: Journal of Applied Poultry Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/25/2017
Publication Date: 1/15/2017
Citation: Purswell, J.L., Olanrewaju, H.A. 2017. Effect of fan induced photoperiod on live performance and yield of male broiler chickens. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. 26(2):236-239.

Interpretive Summary: Increasing broiler house size and ventilation capacity have resulted in increased light ingress through ventilation system components. Light ingress may alter the effective photoperiod for broiler chickens and create local increases in light intensity. This objective of this study was to examine live performance and processing yields in male broilers reared to 63 d of age exposed to the typical prescribed light intensity and photoperiod and lighting designed to mimic light ingress through exhaust fans. Male broilers were obtained from a commercial hatchery and apportioned to groups assigned to one of the two lighting treatments. Lighting treatments were initiated at 35 days of age to coincide with the onset of tunnel ventilation use. Body weight and feed consumption were measured for each of four feeding phases. No differences were detected between treatments for body weight, body weight gain, or mortality. Feed conversion ratio and feed consumption were significantly increased for the variable light treatment, with an increase of 0.06 feed:gain and 228 g/bird (0.50 lb/bird), respectively. The data herein illustrate the need to mitigate light ingress through ventilation system components to improve live performance in broilers and reduce excessive feed consumption.

Technical Abstract: Increasing broiler house size and ventilation capacity have resulted in increased light ingress through ventilation system components. Light ingress may alter the effective photoperiod for broiler chickens and create local increases in light intensity. This study examined live performance and processing yields in male broilers reared to 63 d of age exposed to either a constant light intensity of 2.5 lx for 18L:6D or a variable light intensity to mimic light ingress through tunnel fans. Body weight, body weight gain, and mortality were not different between treatments. Feed conversion ratio and feed consumption were significantly increased for the variable light treatment, with a difference of 0.06 g feed:g gain (P=0.01) and 228 g/bird, respectively. The data herein illustrate the need to mitigate light ingress through ventilation system components to improve live performance in broilers.