Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263 145 (U.K.)
*Corresponding author: E.mail - dhajra@gmail.com
Online published on 28 September, 2012.
The experiment was undertaken to compare two commonly used light sources viz incandescent (bulb) and fluorescent (tube) light, assessed through stress response in broiler. Day old commercial broiler chicks (n=200) were divided randomly into two equal groups and reared in deep litter. With the photoperiod of 18L:6D, the first group was exposed to fluorescent light (40W; 6500°K), while the second group was exposed to incandescent light (100 W; 230V bulb), having intensity of 15 to 20 lux. Blood samples were collected on 21st and 42nd day of experiment. Plasma corticosterone was estimated and protein from mononuclear blood cells was electrophorsed to see the expression of HSP70, a stress marker. No significant difference was observed in corticosterone level as well as HSP70 expression, but their level was slightly lower under fluorescent light. However, birds of fluorescent light group had adjusted themselves and were observed to be undisturbed during light on or off, mandatory for providing 18L:6D photo-schedule. Incidently, less activity contributed to utilize their energy in productive purpose and to perform better than the birds of incandescent light group.
Incandescent light, fluorescent light, electrophoresis, corticosterone, HSP70
