Diodo Emissor de Luz (LED) na produção de frangos de corte

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the broilers’ surface temperature (ST) and behavior within an automated production system, comparing the use of fluorescent light and light diode emission (LED). The research was carried out in a negative pressure system commercial aviary in Itaquiraí – MS. A total 31, 500 broilers (Cobb® genetic strain, female and male) were reared. During the experimental period birds’ ST were estimated using a thermal camera, and the birds’ behavior were assessed by video footage at the 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of grow out. Data on broilers performance and the ambient temperature were estimated using the control panel to the aviary. The surface temperature data and performance were evaluated using the Student-t test. At 7, 28, 35 and 42 days there was no difference between treatments (p = 0.5, p = 0.04, p = 0.60 and p = 0.30 respectively). At 14 and 21 days (p = 0.00098 and p = 0.0002, respectively) was no difference in surface temperature between the sheds. No effect of the light source on any behavior of broilers was found in the present study. Surface temperature of the birds was higher in the aviary with the LED compared to the aviary with fluorescent lamps, and performance data of birds did not differ in both aviaries. The long life and economics of the LED light source might be the proper reason for its use in broiler production.