Farmed Animals

Farmed Broiler Welfare: Lighting and Rest

Lighting programs in broiler houses affect rest, activity, and welfare; continuous or near-continuous lighting drives unsustainable growth that compromises bird health.

Key Facts

Commercial broiler houses often maintain 23 hours of light daily to maximize feed intake
Regulations in the EU require a minimum 6 hours of darkness per 24-hour cycle
Continuous light disrupts circadian rhythms and is associated with higher rates of leg disorders
Dark periods allow birds to rest, reducing cardiovascular and skeletal strain
Studies show intermittent lighting programs can reduce mortality while maintaining production

Welfare Considerations

Near-continuous lighting in broiler houses drives growth at the expense of rest and circadian rhythm maintenance. Birds that cannot rest normally develop cardiovascular and orthopedic problems faster. The provision of darkness is not merely a welfare nicety - it is physiologically essential for sustainable health. Lighting programs are among the easiest welfare improvements to implement with well-documented benefits.

What You Can Do

Support broiler welfare standards that mandate minimum dark periods and appropriate lighting programs
Choose chicken from Better Chicken Commitment certified operations with improved lighting standards
Advocate for lighting regulations to be included in poultry welfare legislation
Support research into lighting program optimization that balances welfare and production efficiency