Effect of LED flicker on the welfare, health, productivity, and condemnation levels in turkey hens reared to 11 weeks

随着加拿大农场白炽灯的淘汰，家禽生产商已经转向其他照明解决方案。由于其出色的能源效率，单色照明的可用性和寿命，大多数关注于光效二极管系统（LED）。然而，在许多情况下，当使用这些LED照明系统时，在谷仓中会出现闪烁（光亮度的快速连续变化）。这可能是由于不适当的能量电压，灯泡选择或不兼容的调光系统。这种闪烁可能对家禽的健康、福利和生产力产生负面影响，因此可能是加拿大家禽业关注的问题。特别是，加拿大的生产者对确定闪烁对鸟类行为的影响表示了兴趣。明显的闪烁可能会增加不稳定的行为，并导致鸟群中划伤、疾病水平和谴责的增加，从而导致鸟类福祉和生产力的显著下降。因此，提出的研究旨在提供科学证据，以确定闪烁是否对火鸡母鸡的生产力、健康或福利有负面影响。每次治疗（高闪烁和低闪烁）总共8个房间的重复将在2个试验中进行测试。收集的数据将包括体重增加、采食量和效率、均匀性、死亡率水平和原因、行为、压力水平、恐惧反应、行动能力、脚垫健康、划伤和谴责。由于了解动物福利已经成为我们社会许可的一个重要组成部分，了解管理实践的影响，例如使用LED照明，对于确保消费者对动物农业的信任至关重要。据我们所知，文献中没有关于闪烁LED灯对火鸡生产或健康影响的科学研究。拟议的研究将解决这方面的知识差距，并帮助加拿大生产者对其谷仓的照明系统做出明智的决定。

With the elimination of incandescent lights for use Canadian farms, poultry producers have moved towards other lighting solutions. Because of their excellent energy efficiency, availability for monochromatic lighting, and longevity, most focus on light efficient diode systems (LED). In many cases however, a flicker (rapid continuous changes in light brightness) occurs in barns when these LED lighting systems are utilized. This may be due to improper energy voltage, bulb choice or incompatible dimming systems. This flickering may have negative implications on the health, welfare, and productivity of poultry species and therefore may be a concern for the Canadian poultry industry. In particular, Canadian producers have expressed an interest in determining the impact of flicker on bird behaviour. Significant flicker may increase erratic behaviour and lead to increases in scratches, disease levels, and condemnations in flocks, resulting in significant declines in bird well-being and productivity. Therefore, the proposed research aims to provide scientific evidence to identify whether or not flicker has negative implications on turkey hen productivity, health or welfare. A total of 8 rooms replications per treatment (high vs low flicker) will be tested in 2 trials. Data collected will include body weight gain, feed intake and efficiency, uniformity, level and cause of mortality, behaviour, stress levels, fear response, mobility, footpad health, scratches, and condemnations. Since understanding animal welfare has become a large component of our social license, understanding the impact of management practices, such as using LED lighting, is essential to ensure consumer trust in animal agriculture. To our knowledge, no scientific research exists in the literature regarding the effect of flickering LED light on turkey production or well-being. The proposed research will address this gap in knowledge and help Canadian producers make informed decisions about the lighting systems in their barns.