The lighting program used by many broiler growers in the past has been to provide what is essentially continuous lighting (a long continuous light period, followed by a short dark period of up to an hour). The belief was that if lights were on continually, birds would eat and drink more, and grow faster. This assumption has now been shown to be false. Not only does continuous or near-continuous light actually result in depressed market weights, it has negative impacts on broiler health and welfare as well.
Aviagen does not, therefore, recommend continuous or near continuous lighting for the life of the broiler flock.