Lighting management in poultry houses significantly affects health, behavior, and welfare. Evidence-based lighting programs improve outcomes for commercial chickens and turkeys.
Poultry lighting management has significant welfare implications through effects on circadian rhythms, rest, leg health, and behavior. Near-continuous lighting disrupted natural rest patterns and contributed to leg problems and other health issues in conventional broiler production. Research demonstrating the welfare and health benefits of minimum darkness periods has led to regulatory requirements in many countries. Appropriate lighting programs that provide adequate rest periods, natural light access where possible, and appropriate spectrum improve both welfare and production outcomes. Transition to natural light cues and seasonal variation in some welfare certification schemes reflects a more holistic approach to poultry welfare management.