A 3 × 2 factorial arrangement was implemented
to determine the performance of 450 Cobb
broilers subjected to different feeding regimes with and
without lighting programs. The chicks were divided into
3 groups according to the feeding regime (ad libitum,
restricted, or intermittent), and each group was reared
under one of two lighting programs (100% continuous
light or 50% continuous light and 50% flashing light).
The results showed that the broilers under the ad libitum
and intermittent feeding regimes had superior
body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) values
and the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 3
and 6 wk of age. Broilers exposed to flashing light and
an intermittent feeding regime had the highest BW
and ADG values and the lowest FCR. Birds exposed
to intermittent feeding had the highest dressed carcass
weight and the lowest heart weight. Broilers reared with
flashing light had higher tenderness and juiciness values
than the other groups. Broilers subjected to a restricted
feeding regime and flashing light had the lowest
abdominal fat values of all the groups. Tenderness and
juiciness were significantly higher in broilers subjected
to the ad libitum feeding regime × flashing light and
the intermittent feeding regime × flashing light. Broilers
fed an intermittent regime had the lowest spleen %,
heterophil, heterophil to lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and
body temperature values of all the groups, and broilers
reared under the intermittent regime × flashing light
had the lowest spleen %, H/L ratio and body temperature
values. Non-significant differences in all health aspects
(shank length, keel bone length, foot pad burns,
breast blisters score, hock discoloration, and mortality)
were observed among the experimental groups. In conclusion,
intermittent and restricted feeding regimes and
a flashing lighting program improved the FCR and did
not produce any adverse effects on performance or physiological
parameters. The results of this work show that
intermittent feeding and flashing lighting programs are
more beneficial to broiler management.