Light and Litter management in Poultry
1Karan Mahar, 2Pawan Kumar, 2Aparna Raj
PhD scholar, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal
PhD scholar, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izzatnagar
PhD scholar, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal
Corresponding author- Karan Mahar (karanmahar29@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Proper lighting is crucial for the development and functioning of the reproductive system and growth in birds. It serves as a powerful external factor that influences various physiological and behavioral processes. Various light sources like fluorescent bulbs and Halogen are commonly used for lighting, but the intensity and effectiveness can be affected by variables such as the reflectance of the floor, walls, ceiling, and the height and intensity of the light source. Light is made up of three distinct aspects: intensity, duration, and wavelength. The behavior of broilers and layers is influenced by the intensity of light. The duration of light is largely dependent on the age of the chickens and the type of housing being used. The color of light, which is determined by wavelength, has varying effects on poultry performance. Darkness is just as important as light for the growth and health of broilers. Litter management is another crucial aspect in poultry farming. Proper management of litter is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of poultry, as well as for minimizing environmental pollution. The type of litter used, the frequency of litter replacement, and the moisture content of the litter all play a role in the overall management of litter in poultry production.
Keywords: Broiler, Light, Litter, Layer
INTRODUCTION
In poultry farming, effective management of light and litter plays a crucial role in ensuring the health, welfare, and productivity of birds. Light management involves providing appropriate natural and artificial lighting conditions to regulate bird behavior, growth, and reproduction. On the other hand, litter management focuses on maintaining the quality of bedding material in poultry houses to create a comfortable and hygienic environment for the birds.
This essay will explore the importance of light and litter management in poultry farming, discussing key principles, practices, and considerations for optimizing bird health and performance. By understanding and implementing effective light and litter management strategies, poultry farmers can promote better welfare, minimize stress, and enhance overall production outcomes. Let’s delve into the intricacies of light and litter management in poultry farming to uncover the best practices for success.
LIGHT MANAGEMENT
WHY THERE IS A NEED FOR LIGHT MANAGEMENT?
Birds are more sensitive to light because it has been observed that changes in light (intensity and wavelength) influence the onset of lay, early egg size and the total number of eggs produced. Light stimulates the anterior lobe of pituitary gland through optic nerve for the release of FSH and LH.
IMPORTANCE OF LIGHT IN POULTRY PRODUCTION
Light is considered as one of the most predominant environmental factors for birds. Many physiological and behavioral processes are regulated through it and it also affects growth rate. It is important for sight both visual acuity and color discrimination. Light helps the bird to establish rhythmicity and synchronize many essential functions, including body temperature and various metabolic steps that enhance feeding and digestion. Light stimulates secretory patterns of hormones that have a role in growth, maturation, and reproduction. Especially, light has pronounced effect on the pineal gland that regulates synchronization of circadian rhythm and inhibits release of melatonin hormone. The circadian rhythm helps the bird to optimize their metabolism, physiology and behavioral pattern.
Table 1: Lighting requirements for different types of birds and stages of growth:
| Birds | Light duration | Light intensity |
| Chicks (0 – 5 days) | 24 hours | 40 Lux |
| Chicks (6 – 10day ) | 23 hours | 30 Lux |
| Pullets | 15 hours | 5 lux |
| Layers | 15 hours | 10 Lux |
| Broiler | 23 hrs L / 1 hr D (Continuous light ) | 40 Lux/3-5 Lux |
| 2 hrs L/2 hr D (Intermittent light) | 5 Lux | |
| Duck/ geese | 15 hours | 10 Lux |
Light management is crucial for both layer and broiler birds, but the specific requirements differ based on the production goals and physiological needs of each type of bird.
TYPE OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT SOURCES FOR POULTRY BIRDS
Artificial light source for the poultry production in present scenario uses multiple modern technologies such as artificial light for manipulation of photoperiod. Commonly used artificial light sources are incandescent, fluorescent, high-pressure sodium, metal halide, low pressure sodium lamp.
Table 2: Artificial light sources and their characteristics:
| Lamp type | Lamp size (Watt) | Colour Rendition Index (CRI) | Efficiency (Lumen/Watt) | Lamp life (Hours) |
| Incandescent | 60-200 | 100 | 15-20 | 750-1000 |
| Halogen | 50-150 | 100 | 18-25 | 2000-3000 |
| Fluorescent | 32-95 | 70-95 | 81-98 | 15000-20000 |
| Mercury Vapour | 50-100 | 20-60 | 40-50 | 16000-24000 |
| Metal Halide | 100-250 | 60-80 | 80-92 | 7500-10000 |
| High pressure Sodium | 100-250 | 20-80 | 90-110 | 15000-24000 |
GENERAL MEASURES FOR LIGHT MANAGEMENT FOR POULTRY PRODUCTION
LOCATION OF LIGHT SOURCE IN POULTRY HOUSE
- The distance between installed bulbs should be 10ft for incandescent and 15 ft distance for fluorescent type of bulb.
- The distance from the bulb to the outer edge of the house should be only 1 ½ the distance between bulbs.
- In cage system, the bulb should be placed in such a way that their rays fall on the feed and on the birds.
- In case of deep litter system, the bulb is to be placed at 7-8’ height whereas in cage house, keep in aisle.
LIGHT INTENSITY
- Recommended light intensity in house 1Fc at bird’s level and in case of multistage cage light should be at least 0.5 Fc at lower deck.
- Clean light reflector increases the light intensity at bird level by 50 percent as compared to without reflector.
- Use the flat type of reflector with round edge for evenly distribution of light in area.
LIGHT MANAGEMENT IN BROILER
INTENSITY OF LIGHT
Light intensity has a strong impact on broiler behavior. In general, brighter light will result in increased activity, while decreased intensities are effective in controlling aggressive acts that can cause cannibalism.
Several researchers reported improved body weight (BW), feed intake feed-gain ratio (F: G) with low light intensities (1 and 5 lx) in contrast to birds given much brighter light (100 and 150 lx) as compared to 40 lx. Very bright light (100 and 150 lx) may stimulate the activity of broilers to the extent that they used more energy for maintenance and physical activities instead of growth
DURATION OF LIGHT
Lighting duration, i.e., photoperiod, is the second major aspect of light that will alter broiler performance. Different photoperiodic regimes have been applied, while almost all of them have been proved to be more beneficial for broiler production compared with conventional near-continuous lighting. Intermittent photoperiod significantly increases weight gain, feed-gain ratio, mobility and carcass yield with a decrease in mortality rate.
COLOUR OF LIGHT
Birds sense light through their eyes (retinal photoreceptors) and through photosensitive cells in the brain (extra-retinal photoreceptors). Blue and green light has a calming effect on birds, while birds reared in red light are more active and shows enhanced walking, flying, head movement, litter scratching, body shaking, wing/leg stretching, feather pecking, aggressiveness and cannibalism
Frequency of eating, intense sleeping, sitting and idling behaviors are more in blue light and green light promotes preening, dust bathing and drinking. In this way, blue-green light stimulates growth in chickens, while orange-red stimulates reproduction. Light of different wavelengths has varying stimulatory effects on the retina and can result in behavioral changes that will affect growth and development.
LIGHT MANAGEMENT IN LAYERS
INTENSITY OF LIGHT
Table egg layer require 5-10 lx. More than 10 lx intensity may have negative effect on egg production as they may favour aggressive behavior, hyperactivity, and cannibalism.
DURATION OF LIGHT
Chickens are long day breeder (longer than 12 hours). Artificial changing the photoperiod is one of the most power tools of management, it may delay or advance the onset of lay, synchronize egg laying time, influence egg production rate and feed efficiency. More than 17 hours of light negative effect on egg production.
COLOUR OF LIGHT
Greatest number of egg produced in red light. Egg laid under blue or green light heavier than those laid in red light. Egg shell strength in green light is higher than that in other light.
PRECAUTIONS FOR LIGHT MANAGEMENT
- Avoid hanging bulb by cord in open houses.
- Avoid cone shape reflector since they confine the light rays to limited area better to use flat type of reflector.
- Light bulb should be cleaned once in two weeks because dirty bulb emits about 1/3 less light than clean bulb.
LITTER MANAGEMENT
WHAT IS LITTER?
Litter is a mixture of chicken manure and bedding material. It is used in confinement buildings for raising broilers, turkeys and other birds. Litter material is soft, fibrous plant material which absorbs moisture and is harmless to the birds.
LITTER MATERIALS
There are several types of litter commonly used in poultry houses such as pine shavings, hardwood shavings, pine or hardwood chips, rice hulls, peanut hulls, sand, crushed corn cobs, chopped straw, hay, or corn stovers, and processed paper.
QUALITIES OF GOOD BEDDING MATERIAL
- Should quickly dry. 2. Should quickly absorb the faeces and keep the surface dry. 3. Should not be toxic to the birds and the handlers. 3. Should limit the production of ammonia. 4. Should not promote the growth of harmful pathogens. 5. It must be cheap and locally available. 6. It must be free from sharp objects and other objectionable materials. 7. Too much dried litter material causes dustiness in the farm. 8. It must be biodegradable, supply some nutrients to the birds and form a good quality manure later. 9. It must absorb moisture from droppings quickly. 10. It must be free from mould growth. 11. A good litter material is the one which breaks up when hand is open and the litter material with more moisture will form a ball in the hand.
LITTER MANAGEMENT
Spread the litter material at least 5cm on the floor of pen area before introducing the chicks. Make the depth of the litter to about 15 cm by adding the litter material at the rate of 2 cm of bedding material per week. There should be frequent stirring of the litter which is technically called as raking. Raking should be done on intervals at least 2 times in a week in winter season and once in a week in a hot season. Litter will function more efficiently on an earthen floor. However a concrete floor is advised for a perfect disinfection at the end of each batch. Before adding fresh litter material, remove the caked up and wet litter material. Avoid adding of slaked lime as it increases the pH of the litter which in turn release more ammonia from the litter. About 3-5” of litter should be put into the house initially. Later litter material should be added till the depth of about 8-12” is reached. In winter the litter depth can be maintained up to 10-12” while in summer it may be reduced to 2.5-4”. The moisture of the litter material should be 12 percent at beginning period and not reaches more 30 percent and in case of more than 30 percent moisture of litter material, birds may bear “balls” made of litter materials at their claw tips. Ball formation is a sign of bad litter management.
RECYCLING OF NUTRIENTS IN DEEP LITTER SYSTEM
The droppings of chicken when mixed with litter will synthesize Riboflavin and Vit.B12 by the chemical and bacterial actions along with Niacin, P, K, Mg, Na, and Ca. The built-up litter also contains niacin, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium. Deep litter bird often pecks and eats a small quantity of litter material which contains above nutrients. This is called recycling. Even if the poultry feed is slightly deficient in some of the nutrients, the deep litter birds will not show any deficiency symptoms due the recycling of nutrients. In cage rearing the recycling of nutrients is completely absent. So, all the nutrients including calcium, phosphorus and sodium must be provided in poultry ration.
LITTER BORNE DISEASES
- Coccidiosis • Collibacillosis •Aflatoxicosis •Aspergillosis (Brooder’s pneumonia)
- Pododermatitis • Breast blisters
CONCLUSION
Light and litter management are important factors to consider in poultry production and can significantly affect bird health, productivity, and welfare. Proper management of litter and lighting can help to optimize bird performance and minimize environmental impacts. A comprehensive approach to litter management and lighting is essential for the sustainable and profitable production of poultry.
REFERENCES
Significance of light in poultry production: A Review: S. J. PATEL et.al.
Effect of light color on egg production and egg contamination : J. Svobodova et. al.
