Publications by authors named "B Fancher"

Article Synopsis
  • - The study investigated how early growth (EG) and the timing of maximum growth during puberty (I2) affect the development and efficiency of broiler breeder females by adjusting their body weight (BW) targets based on a Gompertz model.
  • - Researchers used a factorial design with different I2 levels and two EG treatments, examining various body composition and performance variables in 288 pullets fed in a controlled manner.
  • - Results showed that altering EG and I2 influenced BW and feed intake, with EG20 females having better breast fleshing scores, faster sexual maturation, and increased carcass fat deposition compared to EG0.
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Light is a powerful management tool in poultry production systems, affecting productivity, physiology, and behavior. The objective of this study was to understand the impacts of three light colors (blue, green, or white) on broiler health. Broilers (N = 14,256) were raised in floor pens with fresh litter from 0 to 35 d in 9 rooms (2 blocked trials).

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Light is an important component in poultry production, and it may impact bird behavior, an important component of animal welfare. Light-emitting diode (LED) lamps are of interest for broiler production since they are inexpensive to run and provide monochromatic colors. This study aimed to understand the impact of three light colors (blue, green, or white), provided by LED lighting, on behavioral expression, stress and fear levels of broilers.

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Light color during brooding and rearing may impact broiler production; however, literature results are inconsistent. To address this, the effects of 3 wavelength spectra on broiler performance in 2 sex and 2 genotypes (Ross YPMx708 and EPMx708) were studied. Broilers were raised (d 0-35) under wavelength programs provided by LED light bulbs (blue (455 nm), green (510 nm) or white) under similar intensities (clux).

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Light is a critical management factor for broiler production, and the wavelength spectrum, one of its components, can affect bird physiology, behavior and production. Among all the senses, sight is important to birds, and their visual system possess several adaptations that allow them to perceive light differently from humans. Therefore, it is critical to consider whether the exposure to monochromatic light colors influences broiler visual ability, which could affect behavioral expression.

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