Abstract
Increasing broiler house size and ventilation capacity have resulted in increased light ingress through ventilation system components. Effectively of this may alter the photoperiod for broiler chickens and create local increases in light intensity, which may also impact broiler body homeostasis. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of fan‐induced photoperiod on selected blood plasma biochemistry, enzyme activities and electrolyte levels of male broilers reared to 63 day of age. A total of 960 male broiler chicks were randomly distributed to 16 environmentally‐controlled rooms at 60 chicks/room. Similar feed and water were provided ad libitum to all chickens. The lighting program to day 35 was identical for both treatments and treatments were initiated at day 36. The two treatments consisted of constant (C) light intensity at 2.5 lx at 16L: 8D based on prescriptive intensities in typical heavy broiler lighting programs and a variable (V) light intensity and photoperiod program that was based on field measurements near tunnel fans in a solid‐walled broiler house. The study was a completely randomized design with room serving as the experimental unit. Blood samples were collected from the wing brachial vein of 6 birds per room on day 35 (before initiation of the treatments) and also on day 63 and analyzed immediately. The results showed broilers exposed to a constant light intensity of 2.5 lx as compared with broilers exposed to variable lighting to mimic areas near tunnel fans had significantly lower level of pH, Ca2+, K+, and higher levels of angap. However, all these changes were still within the acid‐base homeostasis and physiological ranges. Also, blood glucose and plasma corticosterone concentrations were not affected by treatments, suggesting an absence of physiological stress. It was concluded that the data herein illustrate the need to mitigate light ingress through ventilation system components to improve live performance in broilers without compromising welfare.Support or Funding InformationUSDA/ARS
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