For commercial poultry producers, the difference between a high-performing flock and a struggling one can often be found in the details—specifically, in the design of the broiler house lighting system. The choice of illumination for growing birds is not a casual decision; it is a critical management tool that dictates feed conversion ratios, promotes skeletal development, controls aggression, and ultimately determines profitability.
To answer the core question—”How to choose the light to broiler chickens?”—producers must move past standard, low-cost fixtures and invest in sophisticated LED technology designed for the harsh reality of the poultry environment. The ideal solution, championed by experts like szAMB, lies in controlling three non-negotiable variables: light intensity, light spectrum, and system durability.
1. Spectrum and Intensity: The Science of Lighting for Broiler Chickens
The selection of light is driven by the physiological needs of the chicken, which is tetrachromatic, meaning it perceives colors far beyond the human visual range. A successful lighting program is calibrated to support two distinct phases: brooding and grow-out.
Phase 1: Brooding (Day 1 to 2 Weeks)
During the first weeks of life, the primary goal is to encourage rapid establishment, feed intake, and water consumption.
- Intensity: High-intensity lighting (typically 30–50 lux at bird level) is necessary to keep chicks active, helping them quickly locate feed and water sources. The light must be highly uniform to prevent clustering and ensure equitable access for the entire flock.
- Spectrum: While intense light is necessary, the spectrum should lean toward the cool white range (4000K–5000K), or include enhanced blue and green light. Research indicates that the blue-green spectrum helps to calm the birds during this initial, critical period and promotes early muscle and skeletal development.
Phase 2: Grow-Out (2 Weeks to Market)
As broilers mature, the lighting requirements change dramatically to support weight gain while minimizing activity and aggression.
- Intensity: The light intensity must be gradually reduced to a low level (typically 5–15 lux) to promote resting. This reduction is vital, as excessive light can lead to nervousness, increased movement, feather pecking, and ultimately, wasted energy that should be going toward weight gain.
- Flicker-Free Dimming: Chickens are highly sensitive to flicker. Any detectable flickering causes chronic stress. Therefore, the selected broiler house lighting system must be capable of absolutely flicker-free dimming from 100% down to 0.5% or lower.
A dynamic system that allows for daily photoperiod adjustments—mimicking a controlled day-night cycle—is paramount for growth optimization and the establishment of a robust circadian rhythm.
2. Technical Requirements: Beyond the Bulb
The rigorous environment of a poultry house—marked by high humidity, constant cleaning, and corrosive ammonia—demands lighting components with industrial-grade durability that far exceeds residential or even standard commercial fixtures.
Absolute Durability (IP Rating and Materials)
- IP67 Waterproof Rating: Commercial poultry facilities require frequent high-pressure washdowns to maintain biosecurity. Lighting fixtures must carry an IP67 rating or higher to ensure the complete protection of internal components against water, dust, and humidity ingress.
- Ammonia and Acid Resistance: Ammonia gas, produced by litter decomposition, is highly corrosive. Fixtures must be constructed from specialized, corrosion-proof materials (such as certain plastics and specialized aluminum bases) to maintain integrity and prevent premature failure, a core feature of the solutions developed by szAMB.
Low Voltage Safety and Uniformity
For maximum safety and performance across large structures, low-voltage DC (Direct Current) systems are the professional standard for lighting for broiler chickens.
- DC48V Input: Utilizing a DC48V input voltage is significantly safer for both birds and personnel compared to standard high-voltage AC systems, especially in damp environments.
- Reduced Voltage Drop: Long-run poultry barns face the challenge of voltage drop, which causes the lights at the end of the line to be dimmer than those at the start. Professional DC48V systems are engineered to use thicker wiring and specialized drivers to ensure uniform brightness across the entire length of the house, eliminating uneven lighting that can affect flock consistency.
3. The szAMB Solution: DC48V T6 LED Lighting System
As a leader in specialized animal lighting systems, szAMB has engineered the DC48V T6 LED Lighting to directly address the rigorous needs of modern agriculture, providing a robust foundation for a state-of-the-art broiler house lighting program.
The T6 system is designed as an industrial-grade tube light component, built for resilience and integrated control.
Precise DC48V T6 Specifications for Professional Use:
| Feature | Technical Specification | Benefit to Broiler House Lighting |
| Input Voltage | DC48V (Without Driver) | Enhanced safety and optimal solution for long, uniform lighting runs. |
| Durability | IP67 Waterproof, Anti-Ammonia/Acid, Shatter-Proof Design. | Withstands professional washdowns and the corrosive environment, ensuring a low maintenance cost. |
| Lifespan | >80,000 hours; 5-Year Warranty. | Guaranteed long-term reliability and maximum return on investment. |
| Efficiency | High luminous efficiency (e.g., 4W model at 120 lm/W). | Significant energy savings compared to traditional fixtures. |
| Dimming Capability | Compatible with szAMB 0-10V drivers; Dimming Range: 0.5%–100% flicker-free. | Provides the smooth, deep dimming required to reduce stress during the grow-out phase. |
| Installation | Male & Female Fast Connect, Plug & Play System with strong threefold fixation. | Facilitates fast, secure installation and simplifies maintenance across massive facilities. |
| Color Flexibility | Customizable CCT for single white color, with specialty Red + White switchable options available for breeding applications. | Allows farmers to select the specific cool white/blue-green spectrum required for optimal broiler growth. |
The low-voltage architecture, coupled with the fixture’s superior durability, makes the szAMB DC48V T6 LED Lighting a foundational component for any producer committed to maximizing both animal welfare and economic performance. By selecting this engineered solution, farmers ensure their broiler house lighting system is a precise tool for biological management, not just a simple source of light.
