Keep it simple. • Continuous, or ne

Keep it simple. • Continuous, or near continuous, lighting is not optimal. • Exposure to darkness increases late growth of the birds, improves feed efficiency, reduces morbidity, and mortality, and is necessary for normal behavior. • The exact lighting program given must comply with local legislation, and will depend on individual flock circumstances and market requirements, but the following recommendations will benefit bird welfare and biological performance. -- From 0 to 7 days of age, chicks should have 23 hours light and 1 hour dark. -- After 7 days a period of darkness of 4 to 6 hours is likely to be beneficial. • Many aspects of production management interact with the lighting program and modify the effects of lighting pattern on bird performance.