Predilection and growth performance of FUNAAB-Alpha chicken under different compact fluorescent light colours

Abstract

The predilections of FUNAAB-Alpha chicken for Compact Fluorescent Light colours (CFL) and their effect on growth performance were  evaluated. Three hundred and ninety six (396) FUNAAB-Alpha chickens were randomly divided into three treatments, each contained a coloured CFL light bulb of 45W and equal light intensity: T1 (Yellow CFL), T2 (Blue CFL), T3 (White CFL). Artificial lighting was provided for 8 hours from 8pm-4am. Dark to  light predilection test was carried out at 2nd week of age. Birds under yellow light had enhanced (P< 0.05) frequency of feeding behaviour (3.6) compared to those under blue (1.1) and white (0.7) light respectively. Moreover, birds that preferred yellow light exhibited higher frequency (P< 0.05) of drinking behaviour (0.6) compared to those that preferred other lights. Growth performance result revealed that birds reared under blue  light had enhanced average feed intake (77.4) compared to birds reared under white (69.2) and yellow (70.0) light colours. The result of the growth performance revealed that birds under blue light had improved feed intake. Yellow light is recommended for rearing of FUNAAB Alpha chickens at  the early stage.

Keywords: Behaviour, growth performance, predilection test, FUNAAB Alpha chicken.