The effects of monochromatic LED light from one to 14 days of age on the growth, muscle development, and blood parameters of goslings

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of monochromatic light on the growth performance, muscle development, and blood parameters of goslings from one to 14 days of age. A total of 192 male Sichuan White goslings were randomly assigned at hatching to four treatment groups of 48 birds, with six replications per group. These treatment groups were exposed to white light, red light, green light, or blue light in four environmentally controlled chambers. At 14 days of age, body weight and feed intake were determined on a per-pen basis, and one gosling per pen was selected for the collection of blood and muscle samples. All data were subjected to an analysis of variance. The results showed that the blue and green light groups had lower average daily feed intake and feed/gain ratios than the red and white light groups, but no differences in average daily gain and final body weight were found. Moreover, the leg muscle weight and leg muscle fibre diameter and density were unaffected by exposure to monochromatic light. Similarly, the goslings from the four treatment groups exhibited comparable plasma levels of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1, immunoglobulin Y, and immunoglobulin M. Our study indicates that short-term exposure to different light colours does not affect the growth of goslings, but light with short wavelengths decreases feed intake and improves feed conversion efficiency.

Submitted 12 October 2024; Accepted 19 February 2025; Published March 2025

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Significance of research to South African science

The article contributes to the growing body of poultry science relevant to South Africa’s expanding interest in sustainable and efficient animal production systems. Although conducted in China, the study has significance for South African science by offering valuable insights into how controlled lighting environments - specifically the use of different monochromatic LED light colours - affect feed efficiency in goslings. The findings that blue and green lights improve feed conversion without compromising growth or health indicators can inform local producers and researchers exploring cost-effective technologies to enhance productivity in the early growth stages of geese and potentially other poultry species. This aligns with the country’s broader goals of advancing precision agriculture and improving animal welfare in intensive production settings.