Why Chickens Need Different Light Levels to Thrive
Wageningen, Thursday, 30 July 2026.
A landmark study by Wageningen University and Signify reveals chickens thrive when given control over light levels, preferring bright light for eating and dim light for resting.
An Agritech Breakthrough for Animal Welfare
This innovation falls squarely into the domain of agritech (agricultural technology), where modern engineering and biological science converge to optimize farming environments [2][GPT]. By integrating smart and connected lighting systems into poultry housing, this development aims to improve animal welfare, physical performance, and operational efficiency [2]. The initiative is driven by a public-private partnership called the PPS FunctiLight project, which concluded its primary research phase in late 2025 [1]. This collaborative effort was led by Wageningen University & Research (WUR), a prominent research institution based in the Netherlands, alongside Signify, a global leader in lighting technology [1][GPT].
How Dynamic Lighting Systems Work in Practice
The core of this agritech innovation lies in replacing traditional, uniform poultry house lighting with a dynamic, varied light plan [1]. In standard operations, poultry houses are illuminated at a constant minimum intensity of at least 20 lux [1]. The FunctiLight project, however, introduced spaces with diverse lighting levels, allowing broiler chickens and rearing laying hens to choose their preferred environment depending on their activity [1]. The researchers equipped experimental areas with resources like water, feed, perches, and alfalfa in all zones, ensuring the birds could freely choose where to forage, eat, or rest [1].
Operational Benefits and the Future of Poultry Farming
The primary benefit of this adaptive lighting system is the promotion of natural behaviors, which significantly enhances the overall health and welfare of the birds [1]. By allowing chickens to regulate their own light exposure, farmers can reduce stress and improve flock performance [1][2]. Although implementing these systems represents a novel and sometimes daunting step for poultry farmers, the transition is supported by the broader evolution of smart barns [1][2]. These modern facilities increasingly combine automation, environmental controls, and specialized animal lighting to support sustainable food production [2].