Relationship Between Chicken and Light: A Review

Lighting is the most crucial external factor of poultry production. In terms of intensity, colour, duration and sources, lights are key component in physiological and behavioral activities of chicken. It impacts on production, reproduction, maturation, behaviour and health of chicken. Various colors of light have significant effect on growth performance, sexual development and maturation in both (broiler and layer), in which most of the recent studies indicated that green and blue light or the combination of green-blue light gave positive results on body weight and immune system, whereas, red light increased the activities and aggressive behavior of birds. For chicken, 20 lux light intensity in recommended during chick period and 3-5 lux intensity advocated during grow-out period. Intermittent lightening (4 hrs on, 2 hrs off) comparatively more suitable and recommended than the constant light for broiler and during chick period and also day light duration is sufficient for growth. Light duration of 14 hrs is recommended during grower period and increase 30-35 min light weekly until light duration reach up to 16 hr for layer. In recent decades, LED lighting, in terms of colour diversity and homogeneous distribution, has proved efficient in improving the performance of chickens as compared to other sources. When managing a healthy and productive flock, getting the right lighting conditions could be more important than other tools use in poultry farming.