Effect of In-Ovo and Post-Hatch Photo Stimulation on Growth Performance and Survivability of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of in-ovo and post-hatch photo stimulation on the growth performance and survivability of broiler chickens. A total of 800 fertile eggs were incubated under three light treatments: green light (GL, 560 nm), blue light (BL, 480 nm), and dark conditions (DL, control). Eggs were exposed to monochromatic light generated by LED lamps in 15-minute intervals, with standard incubation conditions of 37.8°C and 60% relative humidity. Upon hatching, chicks were assigned to three treatment groups: continuous photo stimulation, early post-hatch photo stimulation, and in ovo photo stimulation effect after hatching, using Green Light (GL), Blue Light (BL), and White light (WL) control to evaluate the effects of light exposure on post-hatch growth and survivability over six weeks rearing period. Results demonstrated significant improvements in hatching performance and growth parameters under GL and BL treatments. GL-treated eggs produced the heaviest hatchlings (37.49 ± 0.19 g), and BL-treated birds achieved the highest final body weights under continuous photo stimulation (2278.40 ± 36.64 g) and in ovo photo stimulation (2409.35 ± 38.32 g). Compared to the dark control, feed conversion ratios (FCR) were low under BL (1.50 ± 0.02), followed by GL (1.63 ± 0.002). Survivability was consistently higher in GL and BL treatments, with BL showing the lowest mortality rates. These findings indicate that photo stimulation, particularly with blue and green light, significantly enhances broiler growth performance, feed efficiency, and survivability, offering a sustainable approach to improving poultry production in tropical environments