Effect of different led light colors and intensities on growth performance and economic outcomes for layers kept in environment-controlled house during brooding phase

Abstract

Objectives: The study was conducted to determine combined effect of different light colors and intensities on growth performance and economic viability of Babcock^® White chicks during brooding phase. Methods: Day-old chicks were reared for 8 weeks and divided into 18 treatment groups, each with four replicates of 10 birds. Light treatments of 6 different colors, cool white (control group), red, blue, green, yellow, and warm white light with 3 different levels of light intensities (4, 5 and 6 lux), provided in the brooding. Weekly evaluations for weekly weight, feed intake, body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality and economic. The data observed was analyzed with Minitab 18. Results: Significant effects of different light colors and intensities on weekly weight, feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were observed.  Highest body weight was observed in birds under warm white light. Red light showed the highest feed intake, meanwhile birds under warm white light combined with 6 lux light intensity demonstrated significantly higher weight gain and efficient feed conversion. Birds under blue light at 4 lux had the lowest production cost (Rs 385.36), while those under warm white light at 6 lux had the highest (Rs 400.68). Conclusion: Keeping in view the economic consideration, it can be concluded that during brooding phase any light treatment conducted in these experiments may be applied. However, blue light having 4 lux intensity and warm white light with 6 lux to be the most appropriate choice during brooding phase.