Broiler Chicken Lighting Programs and Welfare

Lighting regimes in broiler chicken production significantly affect health, behaviour, and welfare outcomes from hatching to slaughter.

Key Facts

EU regulations now require a minimum 6-hour dark period per 24 hours for broiler chickens to support biological rhythms
Continuous or near-continuous light was historically used to maximise feed intake and growth but impairs welfare significantly
Appropriate daylength cycles improve leg health, reduce fearfulness, and support natural activity patterns
Blue or green spectrum light during active periods can reduce aggression and improve welfare outcomes
Higher welfare standards such as the Broiler Ask require at least 8 lux light intensity and meaningful dark periods

Welfare Considerations

Lighting is a powerful but underappreciated lever for broiler welfare. Continuous light disrupts circadian rhythms and contributes to the immune dysfunction and metabolic disorders associated with fast-growing broiler breeds. Providing adequate darkness and appropriate light intensity costs relatively little while delivering meaningful improvements in bird health and behaviour.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products from farms meeting higher welfare lighting standards, including the Better Chicken Commitment
Ask retailers about lighting standards in their broiler supply chains
Support campaigns for minimum lighting standards to be incorporated into national legislation
Reduce overall chicken consumption and shift toward higher-welfare poultry when purchasing meat