Sex differences in the effect of intermittent compared with continuous light on growth rate, testes and body weight of broilers reared under commercial conditions1

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Abstract
1. The effect of intermittent light (IL) on the growth of broilers was tested under commercial conditions. One‐d‐old chickens were subjected to continuous light (CL) until 7 d of age and then received either CL or 7.5L: 4.5D: 7.5L: 4.5D until 53 d. Body and testes weights were measured. 2. At 53 d of age, the mean body weight of males was greater on IL than on CL; for females there was no difference. The testes of males on IL weighed more than those on CL. Growth of broilers was greater (P<0.05) at 35, 49 and 53 days of age if light was provided continuously from hatch to 7 d of age and then switched to IL than those remaining on CL during the entire periods.