Better results from intermittent lighting

Intermittent lighting can be used by broiler producers to help boost performance and mitigate rising feed costs, a new study has revealed.

Researchers at Bristol University used Flockman equipment to study the effects of different lighting on broilers in six houses on a commercial unit.

They compared the difference between one continuous dark period at night with an intermittent lighting programme, designed to replicate the comings and goings of a naturally brooding hen.

After replicating the trial over three flock cycles they found that intermittent lighting had significant benefits on productivity. Birds were more active, which strengthened their legs, resulting in fewer leg problems, reduced culling and improved profits.

The EPEF on the site improved over the three successive crops from 330 to a final 350. Crop margin was also the highest ever for the farm and for the integrator.