Impact of different light sources on broiler rearing environment

Karla A O Lima,Rodrigo Borille,Fabiana R Caldara,Irenilza De A Nääs,Rodrigo G Garcia

doi:10.1590/s0100-69162014000300006

Abstract

Broiler production is highly dependent on the use of artificial light. The light source may affect the effectiveness of housing conditions due to increasing ambient temperature and concentration of noxious gases. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of different bulb types on the thermal, aerial, and acoustic environment of broiler aviaries. The experiment was carried out at a commercial broiler farm in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Three aviaries were used, and two flocks of male broilers from Cobb® genetic strain were reared from the first day to slaughter. Each aviary was equipped with a different light source, comprising the adopted treatments (A1 - incandescent light bulb, control; A2 - sodium vapor light bulb; A3 - fluorescent light bulb). The aviaries were divided into nine quadrants, and the environmental data (ambient dry bulb temperature and relative humidity), litter surface temperature, CO2 and NH3 concentrations, and bird sound pressure behavior were recorded in each quadrant. The aviary with incandescent light presented higher air and litter temperatures, and concentration of gases than the other tested alternatives. It also presented higher level of sound pressure in the second week of the growing period; however, from this period up to slaughter, there was no effect of the light source on the results of broiler sound pressure level.

Highlights

Several schemes using different light intensities have been proposed for broiler rearing with the aim to provide adequate environmental conditions, improvement in weight gain, feed conversion, superior carcass quality, and lack of metabolic alterations (OWADA et al, 2007)
There is available information in the literature related to the use of lighting programs for broiler chickens (MORAES et al, 2008; LEWIS, 2010), little is known about the effect of the light source on the thermal conditions and air quality in broiler housing
Dry bulb temperatures (DBT) and litter surface temperatures (LST) were higher in treatment A1 (Table 2), indicating that the use of incandescent light increased the ambient temperature, probably because it generates an excess of sensible heat

Summary

Introduction

Several schemes using different light intensities have been proposed for broiler rearing with the aim to provide adequate environmental conditions, improvement in weight gain, feed conversion, superior carcass quality, and lack of metabolic alterations (OWADA et al, 2007). Variations in temperature and humidity during broiler rearing, associated with excessive dust and ammonia, inadequate ventilation, high stocking density, and, generally, negligent cleaning and disinfection of sheds, are mentioned in the literature as factors that affect the pathogenesis of these diseases (CASTRO, 1999). There is available information in the literature related to the use of lighting programs for broiler chickens (MORAES et al, 2008; LEWIS, 2010), little is known about the effect of the light source on the thermal conditions and air quality in broiler housing. As the thermal environment influences the ammonia concentration inside poultry houses, it is necessary to know more about the light source effect on this aspect of the air environment and broiler performance. The ammonia gas irritates mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract, and later, when it falls into the bloodstream, has a harmful effect on the physiological metabolism, negatively impacting bird welfare (CURTIS, 1983; COUFAL et al, 2006)

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Results