Effect of feeding regimen and lighting pattern on the performance of broiler chickens in the hot, humid tropics

Abstract

Abstract 1. A food restriction study in conjunction with light control was conducted with commercial broiler chicks in a tropical environment. 2. Chicks on treatments 1 and 2 were fed continuously while those on treatments 3 and 4 were fed during the day (from 06.00 h to 18.00 h) and night (from 18.00 h to 06.00 h) respectively. Chicks on treatment 1 received only natural light during the day, while those on treatments 2, 3 and 4 received supplementary lighting during the night in addition to natural light during the day. 3. Food consumption by birds on treatment 2 was significantly higher at 56 days of age, followed by birds on treatments 1, 4 and 3. 4. The pattern of body weight gains was similar to the order of food consumption. 5. Efficiency of food utilisation was poorest for birds on treatment 2. 6. Mortality rates were not influenced significantly by the feeding regimen and lighting pattern. 7. Dressing percentage and proportion of abdominal fat were greatest for birds on treatment 2.