Exploring the impact of stocking densities and colored LED lights on welfare and performance in broiler chickens

Ravi, S., Rokade, J., Bhanja, S.K., Shameeh, M.P., Monika, M., Patel, P., Gowthaman, V., Mehra, M., Kolluri, G. and Gopi, M. 2023. Exploring the impact of stocking densities and colored LED lights on welfare and performance in broiler chickens. Indian Journal Poultry Science, 58(3): 289–294.

The poultry meat is potential source of animal protein to meet demand put forward by the growing human population. The crucial challenges to the broiler sector are the changing consumer trend, demand for the superior quality meat as well as upcoming welfare concerns. To address welfare aspect in broilers, the research study was aimed at evaluating impact of stocking densities (SD) and colored LED lights on serum biochemistry and carcass traits in broiler chickens. A biological trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of stocking densities (12, 15 and 20kg/ m²) and colored LED lights (White: W, Blue: B and Green: G) on performance of broiler chicken. In total 1224-day old chicks were randomly allocated under 9 treatments and reared for 42 days. The analyzed data from the study revealed no significant changes in carcass traits (live weight, eviscerated weight with and without giblets, giblet weights, weight of abdominal fat and cut up parts yield). The difference in serum level of liver enzymes (SGPT, SGOT), creatinine and uric acid were insignificant under the three SD groups and light colors excluding SGPT level where white light group given higher concentration. From the study it could be conclude that a higher SD of 20 kg/m² and white light can be selected for open sided poultry shed in Indian environmental conditions without compromising the welfare and overall performance in broiler chicken.