Effect of Different Light Intensities on the Production Performance of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The experiment was designed to find out the effect of different light intensities on the production performance of broiler chickens. One hundred and fifty broiler chickens were randomly divided into 15 equal experimental units. Three experimental units (replicates) were randomly assigned to each of the five experimental groups. Light treatment T1 (20 lux at first week and 5 lux from 2-6 week) was given to group A, T2 (20 lux at first week and 10 lux from 2-6 week) was given to group B, T3 (20 lux at first week and 20 lux from 2-6 week) was given to group C, T4 (20 lux at first week and 30 lux from 2-6 week) was given to group D, T5 (20 lux at first week and 40 lux from 2-6 week) was given to group E. Results indicated a non-significant effect of light intensity on body weight and feed consumption whereas, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (P<0.05) affected by light intensities. The birds in group A showed significantly better FCR and fetched more profit. Mortality rate was the highest (13.33%) in the birds kept under group E. It can be concluded that energy savers (Compact florescent) may be used in broiler chickens production at same intensities as provided by other light sources for economical provision of light.

Keywords

• Broiler chickens
• Feed consumption
• Feed conversion ratio
• Light intensities
• Mortality
• Weight gain