Light wavelength and its impact on broiler health

Abstract

Light is a powerful management tool in poultry production systems, affecting productivity, physiology, and behavior. The objective of this study was to understand the impacts of three light colors (blue, green, or white) on broiler health. Broilers (N = 14,256) were raised in floor pens with fresh litter from 0 to 35 d in 9 rooms (2 blocked trials). Additionally, 2 genotypes (Ross YPMx708 and EPMx708) and sex were studied (6 room replications per lighting treatment and 18 pen replicates per sex × genotype × lighting program). Blood samples and tissue samples from the retina and the pineal gland were collected from birds (16–18 d of age) 9 times in one 24-hr period per trial, then analyzed to determine melatonin levels (pg/mL). Mobility was assessed via gait scoring, using a 0 to 5 scale at 31 to 32 d of age. Footpad dermatitis was assessed using a 0 to 4 scale, and litter quality by a subjective scoring system (scores ranging from 0–4). Mortality and morbidity causes were identified through necropsies performed by pathologists. Data were analyzed as a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial design, with trial as a random variable block and lighting treatment nested within rooms (MIXED procedure, SAS). Birds raised under blue light had lower serum melatonin levels during one time-point during the scotophase, but no other differences were noted. No effect of light color was observed for melatonin produced in the tissues, nor mobility and footpad dermatitis. An interaction was noted for litter quality where a higher percentage of pens housing YPM-708 broilers had litter categorized into dry, but not easily moved with the foot (category 1). Males had higher incidence of infectious and metabolic deaths than females. Interactions were observed between light and sex, where males raised under white light had a higher incidence of skeletal causes of mortality. Overall, the results showed that light color had minor impacts only on melatonin levels, mobility, footpad dermatitis, litter quality, and cause of mortality.