Light intensity has been shown to affect the activity of birds, but most studies have focused on constant light intensities to determine their effect on welfare. Light intensity preference behavior of birds has been suggested to be an additional component of bird welfare.
Animal welfare research, conducted at the University of Arkansas (UARK), is on target to help determine optimum lighting programs and enrichment treatments for the lameness of broilers. Principal investigator Dr. David Caldwell and his research team received funding in spring 2020 through the USPOULTRY Board Research Initiative program to determine the effects of variable intensity lighting and natural lighting programs on behavior, gait score, and stress hormone (corticosterone) compared with constant light intensity programs in commercial broiler farms. Other objectives in the study include investigating the effect of enrichment huts on broiler behavior, gait score, and stress in the different lighting programs. Lastly, researchers are studying central positive welfare indicators as they are affected by various light intensities, natural lighting programs, and enrichment hut treatments.