Effects of Colored Polymer Light and Feed Forms on the Performance of Broiler Chickens in the Humid Tropical Climate

Aims: The colours of the polymer used during brooding could impair the vision of the chicks. For chicks reared in the dark environment, they have limited access to daylight and find it difficult to gain access to feed and water. Therefore, for better understanding of the effect of the polymer colours on broiler production in the humid tropical climate, a study was carried out to evaluate the effect of coloured polymer light filter and feed forms on performance of broiler chickens.

Methodology: A total of two hundred and forty (240) chicks were allocated in 2 × 4 factorial arrangements with two feed forms (mash and pellet). The chicks were reared under four (4) different coloured polymer light filter, namely; white (T1), blue (T2), black (T3), and green (T4) and an incandescent bulb (100 Watts) each.

Results: The results showed that the birds reared under the white polymer light filter had the highest weight gain (1565.28 g), while the least weight gain (1469.72 g) was observed in birds reared under black polymer light filter. For rectal temperature of the birds, it was discovered that broiler chicken reared under white polymer light filter had the highest rectal temperature (39.63°C), while the least rectal temperature of 39.33°C was observed in the chicken reared under black polymer light filter. The highest environmental temperature (34.03°C) was observed in birds reared under black polymer light filter, while the least environmental temperature (30.03°C) was observed in birds reared under white polymer light filter. The results further showed that birds fed with pelletized feed form had the highest weight gain than the birds fed with mashed feed form.

Conclusions: From the findings of this study, it is certain that polymer light filter and feed forms are important factors that could influence birds’ performance.