.jpg)
anne@xmgoodlight.com
+86 15260400606
Original: Deepseek (The answer was generated by AI and is for reference only. Please refer to actual breeding conditions for accuracy.)
Regarding the effect of UV light (which typically refers to visible light with wavelengths ranging from 380 to 450 nm, being the boundary between blue light and ultraviolet light) on chicken farming, current research and applications are far less clear and mature compared to those of blue light, green light and red light.
It is important to note that UV light is not a mainstream lighting management tool in conventional chicken farming. Its role is more focused on the biological effects of specific wavelengths, and some of these effects even carry potential risks.
The following is an analysis of the effects of violet light based on existing research and optical principles.
1.Potential Germicidal And Disinfectant Effects
Principle: The ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation (with a wavelength of 200-280 nm) is the one that truly possesses strong sterilization capabilities. It does not fall under the category of visible light. UVC can damage the DNA/RNA of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, molds), rendering them inactive.
The limitations of UV light: The germicidal ability of visible UV light (close to UVA) is much weaker than that of UVC. Although certain specific wavelengths of UV light (such as 405 nm) can produce a certain antibacterial effect through photodynamic reactions, its efficiency and speed cannot be compared with professional UVC disinfection lamps.
Applications And Risks: It is absolutely forbidden to turn on the UVC lamp when there are chickens in the flock, as it will cause severe damage to the chickens' eyes and skin, and also pose a risk to humans. Violet light disinfection is usually used for environmental treatment during the emptying period, rather than during the actual breeding process.
2.The Potential Impact On Bone Health And Calcium-phosphorus Metabolism
Principle: Ultraviolet B (UVB, with a wavelength of 280-315 nm) can stimulate the skin of chickens to synthesize vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health.
The Role Of UV Light: Although UV light itself cannot synthesize VD3, it is adjacent to UVA. For chicken flocks that are completely confined in enclosed chicken houses and unable to receive sunlight, theoretically supplementing specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light (including UVB) may help improve bone quality, reduce leg diseases and eggshell problems.
Current Application Status: This is one of the research directions in modern animal welfare farming. For instance, specific lamps that emit trace amounts of UVB are installed in chicken houses to simulate natural sunlight. However, this falls under the category of ultraviolet therapy rather than simple purple light irradiation. Precise control of the dosage is necessary to prevent harm.
The Unknown Or Negative Effects On Behavior And Physiology
Visual Discomfort: The eyes of chickens are sensitive to short-wavelength light (such as blue light and UV light). Excessive or improper exposure to UV light may cause restlessness, anxiety and stress in the chicken flock, which is exactly the opposite of the calming effect of green light.
Inhibition Of Growth: Some scattered studies have shown that compared to blue light and green light, the weight gain of broilers in the UV light environment is poorer, and it may even inhibit growth. This might be related to the fact that chickens feel uncomfortable in the UV light and thus have a decrease in feed intake.
Attracting Insects: As is well known, UV light (especially black light lamps, UVA) has a strong attraction effect on many insects. Using UV light in chicken houses may introduce more insects and increase the risk of disease transmission.
Summary And Suggestions
Potential Effect | Principle Analysis | Practicality Evaluation |
Sterilization and disinfection | The effect is much weaker than that of professional UVC, and there are safety risks involved. | Not recommended. The disinfection of empty houses should be carried out using professional UVC equipment or chemical disinfectants, and it must be done without chickens present. |
Promote the synthesis of VD3 | Requires UVB, and not visible ultraviolet light | Not directly related. For specific applications involving ultraviolet (UVB), specialized equipment and control are required. |
Affecting growth and behavior | May lead to irritability, stress and growth inhibition | The negative effects are predominant, and it is not recommended to use this as a regular lighting solution. |
Comparison And Summary Of The Mainstream Colors
Light Color | Core Function | The Position In The Poultry Farming Industry |
Blue light | Encourage feeding, delay sexual maturity, sedation | Mainstream and effective, widely applied during the growing period of broiler and layer |
Green light | Promote early growth, powerful sedation | Mainstream and effective, particularly suitable for the brooding period and stress management |
Red light | Stimulating maturation, increasing egg production rate | Mainstream and effective, it is the key tool during the laying period of layers |
UV light | Bactericidal (weak), potential stressor, attracts insects | Not mainstream, insufficiently researched, and high potential risks. At present, there is no clear recommended value in conventional farming. |
Conclusion
Although from an optical spectrum perspective, UV light is part of the visible light spectrum, in current chicken farming science and practice, UV light has not been proven to have clear and repeatable positive effects. On the contrary, the stress, growth inhibition and insect problems it may cause make its application in production very limited.
When formulating the lighting plan, farmers should prioritize the selection of blue light, green light and red light that have been well studied and have clear effects. They should also follow a scientific lighting program. Currently, using UV light as a routine production tool is unnecessary and risky. Any application involving UV rays (UVA/UVB/UVC) must be carried out under the guidance of professionals to ensure the safety of the chicken flock and the operators.