Manipulation of light intensity is an important
management tool affecting broiler production
and well being. Despite considerable research on light
intensity, there is still a debate on the optimum level
to be used for intensively housed broilers. Two trials
were conducted with the objective of investigating the
effect of light intensity, within the practical levels at
confinement barns (1, 10, 20, and 40 lx), on production,
processing characteristics, and welfare of broilers raised
to 35 d of age. Each light intensity treatment was replicated
in 2 environmentally controlled rooms in each
trial with 950 Ross × Ross 308 chicks per room. Data
were analyzed as a randomized complete block design
with trial serving as a block. All chicks were exposed to
40 lx of light intensity and 23 h of light for the first 7
d followed by treatment light intensity and 17 h of day
length thereafter. Body weight and feed consumption
were determined at 7, 14, and 35 d of age. At the end