Poultry Welfare

Broiler Lighting Programs and Welfare

Light management in broiler houses significantly affects bird welfare through effects on rest, activity, and biological rhythms.

Key Facts

Broilers require dark periods for proper rest and biological development
Continuous lighting increases growth rate but causes welfare problems including leg weakness
EU law requires minimum 6 hours of darkness per 24-hour period for broilers
Dimmer periods rather than complete darkness can also support rest
Natural light access improves broiler welfare by enabling circadian rhythm synchronization

Welfare Considerations

Lighting programs in broiler houses represent a direct management lever for welfare. Continuous lighting to maximize feed intake compromises rest, biological development, and welfare. Dark periods allow rest essential for musculoskeletal health. Evidence-based lighting programs that provide adequate dark periods at appropriate light intensities improve broiler welfare without sacrificing viable production performance.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for minimum dark period requirements in all broiler systems
Choose chicken products from farms certified to higher lighting standards
Advocate for natural light access to be rewarded in broiler welfare certification
Ask food companies about lighting program standards in their broiler supply chains