The lighting environment in commercial broiler sheds significantly affects sleep, activity, health, and overall welfare of billions of chickens.
Broilers in dim, near-continuous light become inactive, limiting exercise and worsening leg health. Bright, intermittent light promotes natural behaviour including foraging, dustbathing, and social interaction. Sleep deprivation under continuous light impairs immune function and stress resilience. Lighting is one of the lowest-cost, highest-welfare-impact interventions available to producers.