Chick in the dark : the effect of different lighting programmes on broiler production parameters and plasma aspartate aminotrasferase

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation was to evaluate the effects of intermittent lighting (IL) programmes on broiler production parameters and on plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations. It also sought to identify and establish the use of a haematological technique as a health indicator in broiler production. 80 day-old male Ross 308 broilers were used in a 2x4 factorial design utilising different lighting programmes. The live weights of the broilers were recorded per week. On day 35, blood samples were collected from their upper wing veins. The activity of AST in the plasma was determined by a coupled indicator reaction using oxaloacetate which catalyses NADH to NAD+. The rate of change of NADH was then measured at 340nm and recorded.