Lighting regimes in broiler sheds affect bird activity, health, and welfare. Evidence-based lighting programmes support better outcomes than continuous low-light systems.
Broiler lighting has significant welfare implications. Dim continuous light suppresses activity and reduces welfare by limiting natural behaviour expression, increasing leg weakness, and causing ocular pathology. Light-dark cycles that respect circadian rhythms improve bird health, reduce mortality, and support better bone development. Higher welfare certification schemes specify minimum dark periods and lux levels that go beyond legal minimums.