Response of Japanese Quail to Different LED Light Colors

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the impact of raising Japanese quail on different light colors on growth performance and carcass traits. A total number of 132 one-week-old Japanese quail were reared in batteries and assigned to 4 groups (33 birds /each). Birds in the first group (C) were reared under white light produced by LED light bulbs, while those in the second, third and fourth groups were reared under blue, green and red LED light, respectively. Experimental birds were raised in batteries under similar environmental and managerial conditions. Growth performance parameters (body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion) were recorded weekly from 7 to 42 days of age and carcass traits were recorded at the end of the experiment. Light color significantly influenced body weight and feed conversion. Birds exposed to green or blue light had heavier body weights than those exposed to red light at 5 and 6 weeks of age. While birds exposed to white light (control group) exhibited intermediate body weights. The dressed carcass weights and gizzard percentages were greater in green color compared to that in red light group. It can be concluded that the use of red light should be avoided in raising growing Japanese quail birds and that green and blue light can substitute white light.