VetSRev
Database of veterinary systematic reviews
Database of veterinary systematic reviews
J Anim Sci (2018) 96: 98–107
DOI: 10.1093/jas/skx044
Light intensity is an important aspect for broiler production. However, previous results do not provide a solid scientific basis for quantifying the response of broilers to light intensity. This study performed a meta-analysis to model the response of broilers to 0.1-200 lux of light intensity. Meta-analysis was used to integrate smaller studies and increase the statistical power over that of any single study and explore new hypotheses. The results indicated that light intensity \textless5 lux caused welfare concern (P \textless 0.05) and light intensity \textless1 lux induced productivity loss of broiler (P \textless 0.05), whereas greater level of light intensity \textgreater10 lux led to increased mortality (P \textless 0.01) and decreased uniformity (P \textless 0.05). Meta-regression showed that 30-200 lux light intensity was negatively related to BW (P = 0.047) and feed intake change (P = 0.054), whereas a quadratic relationship was observed between feed conversion ratio change and 50-180 lux light intensity (R2 = 0.95). In addition, the majority of carcass characteristics (abdominal fat weight and wing weight) and metabolic indicators (K+, Ca2+, and T3) were affected by light intensity \textgreater5 lux. To conclude, this meta-analysis based on published data quantitatively identified that 5 lux of light intensity during grow-out period should be the minimum level to maintain a well productivity and welfare of broiler chickens.
Yang, Y., Pan, C., Zhong, R., & Pan, J. (2018). Artificial light and biological responses of broiler chickens: dose-response. J Anim Sci, 96(1), 98–107. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skx044 Animals, Animal Welfare, *Models, Statistical, Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation, Light, Abdominal Fat/*radiation effects, Body Weight/*radiation effects, Chickens/growth & development/*physiology, Eating/*radiation effects