Broiler behavioural repertoires and the impact of lighting condition

Abstract

The welfare of animals are dependent on their immediate environment which influences their ability to exhibit certain natural behaviour that can support their growth psychologically and physiologically. Animals’ welfare and their behaviour are therefore linked, as the environment influences the welfare and the behaviour are dependent on the welfare. One of the environmental factors that influences the growth performance and other health indices in broiler is the light under which they are reared. In this review, response of broilers to two artificial light sources in their available colours and the attendant effects on their behavioural repertoire and welfare are explored. The artificial light sources most economical in the scheme of broiler production are the incandescent bulb (ICD) and compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) due to their low cost when compared to light emitting diode (LED) mostly used in developed climes. It is imperative to understand the impact of these light sources in their existing colours on the behaviour and welfare of broiler chickens. Furthermore, 8 categories of broiler behaviour were explored because the knowledge of these categories is essential in understanding their welfare. Some other factors, aside artificial lighting, that could also affect the natural behaviour of broiler chickens were evaluated, though not exhaustively.