Is red or white light better for chickens?
1. White Light Advantages
Broiler Growth:
White LED lighting (400-700 nm spectrum) promotes 8-10% higher daily weight gain in broilers compared to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), particularly during critical growth phases (21–35 days). This is linked to improved feed intake and muscle development (Poultry Science, 2021).
Key mechanism: White light mimics natural daylight, enhancing visibility for feeding and activity.
Behavioral Stability:
White light does not disrupt circadian rhythms or induce stress, unlike blue light (shorter wavelengths of 450-495 nm), which increases corticosterone levels and reduces activity in chickens (Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2020).
2. Red Light Benefits
Egg Production:
Red light (630-660 nm) accelerates sexual maturity in layers by stimulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, leading to 3-5% higher egg output over 18–60 weeks. Red LEDs also reduce energy use by 60% vs. incandescent bulbs (Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 2022).
Stress Reduction:
Red light’s long wavelength minimally disrupts melatonin production, lowering aggression and feather pecking. Hens under red light show 15-20% lower corticosterone levels than those under blue light (Frontiers in Physiology, 2021).
3. Key Trade-offs
Egg Quality:
Red light: Increases egg quantity but reduces egg weight by 2-3g after 30 weeks due to premature yolk deposition.
Green light (560 nm): Enhances shell thickness by 10-12% via calcium-binding protein activation, outperforming red light (Avian Biology Research, 2020).
Broiler Performance:
Red light during incubation: Improves post-hatch growth but may increase abdominal fat by 5-7% due to altered lipid metabolism.
White light: Superior for consistent muscle growth and feed efficiency (FCR of 1.6 vs. 1.8 under red light) (British Poultry Science, 2019).
4. Hybrid Lighting Strategies
Broilers:
Use white LEDs (20 lux) in feeding zones to maximize intake and dim red light (1-2 lux) in resting areas to reduce stress.
Layers:
Pair red light (660 nm, 10-15 lux) for egg production with green light (560 nm, 5 lux) in nesting areas to boost shell quality.
Circadian Welfare:
Avoid continuous lighting. Use 12-hour cycles with 30-minute dawn/dusk dimming to mimic natural rhythms and prevent metabolic disorders.
5. Related Product
6. FAQ:
Q: Which light is better for broilers?
A: White light (full-spectrum LEDs) is optimal for broilers. It enhances feed intake, muscle growth, and weight gain by 8-10% compared to red light. White light also supports consistent feed conversion ratios (FCR of 1.6 vs. 1.8 under red light).
Q: Why does red light produce smaller eggs?
A: Red light may prematurely trigger oxytocin release, shortening yolk deposition time. This reduces egg weight after 30 weeks. Compensate by adding green light (5 lux) to nesting areas to improve calcium metabolism and shell quality.
Q: Does red light improve egg production in laying hens?
A: Yes, red light (660 nm) accelerates sexual maturity and increases egg quantity over long-term use (18–60 weeks) by stimulating reproductive hormones. However, eggs under red light are consistently smaller in weight compared to white or green light, especially after 30 weeks .
For egg quality, green light outperforms red light, producing thicker and stronger eggshells.
Q: How does red light affect chicken behavior?
A: Red light reduces stress due to its longer wavelength (660 nm), which minimally disrupts circadian rhythms. It promotes passive behaviors (resting, preening) and reduces aggression in flocks.
In contrast, blue light increases anxiety in poultry (e.g., panting, swarming in ducks), while white light maintains behavioral stability.