Preference of Broiler Chickens for Feed Color

Studying broiler preference to feed color is important for improving comfort and welfare of broilers and it may be beneficial for improving performance. The aim of the first experiment was to examine day-old chick's preference in different light colors to different feed colors. One hundred and sixty Ross 308 newly hatched broilers, never exposed to feed, were allocated into pens illuminated with different light colors: white, yellow, green and red. Under each color of light four colored feed choices (red, green, yellow and control) were offered. Choice was recorded the moment the bird attempted to obtain feed. In the second experiment, 80 chicks were chosen and separated equally in four pens illuminated with white color. Light intensities were the same in all pens at both experiment. The pens were separated using black plastic to keep stray light from interfering with neighboring pens. In each pens there were 4 dishes containing different feed color and chicks were allowed to choose the preferred color of feed for consumption. All chicks were fed a standard NRC ration and all pens were given ad libitum access to feed and water. The amount of feed intake from each colored feed in each pen was determined as a proportion of total pen feed intake until 21th days of rearing period. The results indicated that there were no significant differences between preferences of chicks to different feed colors. However, it was observed that under white light chicks tend to prefer green feed compared to control (P=0.08). The results in the second part of experiment showed that the feed intake from green feed were significantly higher compared to other colored feeds. Also, birds had the lowest proportion of feed intake from the red-colored ration under white lighting.