Aspects of the study are being carried out within the UARK Department of Poultry Science and at the Tyson Foods’ Broiler Welfare Research Farm. Four commercial broiler houses have been used for evaluating the effects of different constant light intensities (5 lux, 20 lux), natural light (480 lux), and variable light intensity on the performance and welfare of birds. The variable intensity light house was about 40 lux light intensity over the feed lines and dimmer light intensity (2-5 lux) at the sidewalls. Investigators observed the increase of broilers dust-bathing behavior and better performance in the variable intensity light house, suggesting a beneficial effect on broilers natural exercise motivation by the variable intensity lighting program in the commercial broiler houses. The enrichment huts provide birds a lower light intensity environment inside and additional area to rest with easy access. Investigators are testing the synergistic effect of the enrichment huts on the variable intensity lighting program. The study of central positive welfare indicators and stress hormone are going on to better explain the observed performance and welfare benefits of the variable intensity lighting program.

Findings from this study are expected to be completed over the next year. Results should provide the broiler industry valuable new information on how to improve animal welfare. The variable light intensities and enrichment huts are expected to stimulate volunteer walking behavior for consuming feed/water and taking rest time, as well as improve welfare and gait score in the commercial broiler farm.