The application of LED lighting in chicken coops has been extensively studied in poultry production, with several key findings relevant to performance, energy efficiency, and welfare:
1.Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
LED lighting significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional incandescent (INC) or compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). For instance, LED lamps decreased lighting program costs by 82.87% compared to incandescent bulbs while maintaining or improving production metrics. This aligns with broader trends in industrial LED adoption for energy savings and sustainability.
2.Performance and Growth
Light Color Effects: Studies show mixed results on LED color preferences. White LED lighting increased feed consumption in broilers compared to yellow LED, particularly at later growth stages (21–35 days). Yellow-dominated mixed LED light (e.g., cool white + yellow) enhanced body weight and skeletal development but also increased adipose deposition, suggesting a trade-off between growth and fat accumulation.
Gender Differences: Male broilers under red and blue LED lighting exhibited higher weight gain and carcass yield than females, though LED colors generally matched fluorescent lamp performance.
3.Behavioral Preferences and Welfare
Broilers prefer brighter light (20 lux) for feeding areas, while lower intensities (1–5 lux) are acceptable for resting zones.
Chickens showed no strong preference between white and yellow LED environments but consumed more feed under white LEDs.
4.Health and Development
Bright light exposure (15,000 lux) reduced myopia-related choroidal thinning in chickens, suggesting potential benefits for eye health.
Intermittent LED lighting programs did not hinder performance and improved energy efficiency, particularly when combined with red feeders.
5.Practical Recommendations
Use white LEDs for feeding areas to optimize feed intake and growth.
Consider yellow-mixed LEDs to stimulate growth but monitor fat deposition.
Implement 20 lux lighting in active zones (e.g., feeders) and lower intensities (5 lux) in resting areas to align with natural preferences.
Adopt intermittent lighting schedules to reduce energy use without compromising welfare.
LED technology offers flexibility, cost savings, and adaptability to poultry needs, though color and intensity should be tailored to specific production goals. For further details, consult studies on spectral effects and economic analyses.