Darkness doesn’t hinder broiler chick growth

Lighting programmes for broilers have traditionally employed continuous or near-continuous photoperiods through the first week of life to ensure chicks can successfully navigate the rearing environment for feed and water. However, in a recent study, researchers have found that broiler chicks can be provided with up to 4 hours of darkness per day without negative consequences on growth performance. The first 7 days post-hatch are critical for multiple aspects of broiler chick development. Res