Monochromatic and combined LED lighting programmes: effects of growth performance, carcase yield and meat quality in broiler chickens.

Abstract

1. Light wavelength is a key environmental factor influencing broiler growth, feed efficiency and meat quality. This study evaluated the effects of monochromatic (white, blue, green) and combined (white-blue-green, blue-green-blue, green-blue-green) LED lighting regimens on growth performance, carcase yield and breast meat characteristics in Ross 308 broilers. White (400-770 nm), blue (450-470 nm) and green (520-570 nm) LED lamps were used throughout the 42-d trial. Light intensity was standardised at 20 lux photopic illuminance at bird-head level and verified daily using a calibrated digital luxmeter.2. A total of 216 male chicks were allocated to 6 treatments (three replicates; 12 birds/pen). Growth traits were monitored across the starter, grower and finisher phases; carcase yield and meat quality (pH, colour, cooking loss and water-holding capacity) were assessed post-slaughter.3. Sequential green-blue lighting regimens (GBG and BGB) significantly improved body weight and FCR compared with monochromatic white light (p < 0.001). Although breast yield decreased under blue light alone, this effect was not observed under combined regimens. Meat quality traits were largely unaffected, although redness increased and cooking loss decreased under green-blue combinations.4. Phase-specific green-blue LED lighting programmes can enhance broiler productivity and energy efficiency without compromising carcase yield or meat quality, representing a practical and welfare-compatible strategy for sustainable poultry production.