Light is a critical environmental factor in broiler farming, with direct effects on behaviour, physiology, health and welfare. In addition, the light intensity affects the phases of movement during the day.

In the sheds, artificial light replaces natural conditions and it is necessary to define optimal programs in terms of colour (wavelength), intensity, spatial distribution and cycle duration.

As for colour, it is recognized that it affects both behaviour and stress levels: blue light reduces fear, red light reduces irritability, green light reduces aggression. In particular, the blue wavelength during loading and culling operations has benefit for both animals and operators.

This GP addresses the challenge of Optimizing Light Management, related to Animal Welfare. It is used in a farm with 18 sheds with 22,000 heads.

Junglite is able to provide a combination of light spectra (especially blue and green) and variable intensity in order to best modulate and sustain daily cycles, different growth phases and particularly stressful management moments (e.g. culling and loading).

The limit is that in very bright areas (e.g. Mediterranean areas) or in farms that follow voluntary specifications that requires the use of 3% natural light, the positive effects of artificial modulation of light are reduced or nullified.

The cost of this lighting system is lower than traditional systems. In addition, there is a reduction in energy consumption (about 10%) compared to a traditional system. The main cost is linked to the initial installation (+35% than traditional system), as the system is composed by many lights that must be inserted into the ceiling.

By modulating the light intensity, animals are more active and playful. Even if there is no direct revenue, there is better animal welfare, more motility, generally less condemnations and the management of animals seems to be easier for the operators, with a prolonged maintenance of good performance