Light wavelength on different poultry species

Factors involved in light management of poultry include source, intensity, duration, uniformity and wavelength (light colour) of light. Research trials have examined the effects of short (blue and green) and long wavelengths (orange and red) on animal welfare, body weight gain, and egg productions in chickens, quail, turkeys, geese and ducks. Blue or green illuminations have a positive effect on body weight and red or white are beneficial to the production of eggs in chickens and quail. During the pre- and post-maturity periods of turkeys, blue light was preferred in the pre-maturity period, whereas the red or white light was better for the post-maturity period. Any noticeable change has not been observed within the body weight gain among the geese under different coloured light; whereas white-coloured light has played an important role in their egg production and semen quality. Positive results have been seen for body weight gain by exposure to red and white light in ducks. The available literature shows that different wavelengths can have positive or negative effects on welfare, body weight gain and egg production of the poultry.