USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation have announced the completion of a funded research project conducted by the University of Georgia, which evaluated the effects of increased dark periods on broiler chicks after their initial placement. This research, partially funded by a foundation gift from Koch Foods, is part of the association’s comprehensive program that addresses all phases of poultry and egg production and processing.
Typically, broiler producers provide 23 to 24 hours of light during the first seven days of a flock's life to ensure maximum feed consumption during the critical early growth period. Dr. Brian Fairchild, a professor at the University of Georgia, challenged this standard practice. His study aimed to determine the effects of different day lengths on broiler performance and their physiological responses.
The findings from Dr. Fairchild’s research indicate that implementing a dark period from the beginning of a flock's life does not significantly negatively impact broiler performance, contradicting the long-held belief of many poultry producers. These results suggest that broilers can benefit from increased dark periods without adverse effects on growth and development.
For more detailed information on this research and other studies conducted by the Association, please visit the USPOULTRY website at uspoultry.org.
