Detailed Explanation of Key Points of Lighting Technology for Broiler Chicken Rearing

In broiler chicken production, lighting is very important; the purpose of lighting is to increase the feed intake of broiler chickens and promote growth. Suitable lighting can meet the flock's feeding needs, reduce flock activity, and maximize economic benefits.

1. Current problems with broiler chicken lighting. During the entire growth period of broiler chickens, most farmers now use continuous lighting, and the light intensity is also unreasonable. In some cases the light intensity is too high, and in others it is insufficient. The height of the bulbs is inappropriate, and the bulbs are not arranged evenly, resulting in uneven lighting. Because the bulbs are not wiped frequently, the light intensity is reduced. Broiler chickens kept under continuous lighting have a longer feeding time, but their feed intake does not increase; instead, feed conversion efficiency decreases, lighting costs increase, stress on the flock increases, and the mortality rate of the flock in the later growth stage also rises, so overall economic benefits are not high.

2. Correct lighting plan

1. Arrangement of bulbs: the height of the bulbs is generally about 2 m, so that it will not affect people's daily operations and is also convenient for wiping the bulbs. The bulbs should be arranged evenly, and the distance between lights should preferably be 2-3 m.

2. Lighting time and intensity: for open-sided chicken houses, use 24-hour lighting with strong light for the first 1-3 days of brooding, which can help the chicks become familiar with the environment and fully eat and drink, about 5-10 watts per sq m, using 45-watt bulbs; at 4-7 days of age, use 23 hours of lighting; after 7 days of age, natural lighting can be used during the day, and at night use the method of turning on the lights for 1 hour and turning them off for 1-2 hours, with weak light, about 2-3 watts per sq m; starting from the third week, this can be changed to 1-1.5 watts per sq m, and at night use the method of turning on the lights for 1-2 hours and turning them off for 1 hour. If the light in the chicken house is too strong during the day, shading can also be applied appropriately. In order to distribute light intensity evenly, do not use bulbs above 60 watts.

For fully enclosed chicken houses, intermittent lighting can be used all day starting from the second week. Compared with the lighting plans currently used by most chicken farmers, adopting this lighting plan can reduce stress on the flock, lower the incidence of sudden death syndrome, ascites, and other diseases in the later stage of the flock, reduce the overall culling and mortality rate, and save on electricity costs. The flock is quieter in a weak-light environment. Because movement is reduced, it is beneficial for growth and fattening, thereby improving feed conversion efficiency, and the overall economic benefits are significantly increased.