Abstract:
Light is a complex phenomenon that is classically explained with a simple model
based on rays and wave fronts. To investigate the effect of three different colours of
light on performance and behaviour of broilers, a total of 96 Hybro P.G. Plus broiler
birds were exposed to blue (BL), green (GL) and white (WL) light treatments from
21 to 39 days of age. All light sources were equalized on the intensity of 20 lx and
artificial light period was 9 hrs daily during night time .providing an increased
photoperiod (20L:4D). Complete randomize design was used with 4 replicates.
Water and feed were provided ad libitum, Behavioural changes under respective
lights were assessed on 12 broad mutually exclusive categories; walking, standing,
litter eating, drinking, aggression, feather pecking, bird interaction, lying, dust
bathing, wing flapping, vocalization and other by adopting scan sampling method
using an ethogram. Birds were weighed weekly. Daily feed and water intakes were
measured. The colour of light had no significant (P>0.05) effect on any of the
performance parameters such as weight gain, final body weight and FCR. Feed and
water consumption were also similar in all treatments and, irrespective of the
treatment birds consumed significantly (p<0.05) higher feed and water during day
time compared to night. Except pecking behaviour, none of the other behaviours
were affected by the colour of light. Pecking was significantly low under WL both
during day and night times. It is concluded that blue, green or white colour light had
no effect on the performance and behaviours other than feather pecking which was
reduced under WL.
