High ambient temperatures suppress feed intake in broilers, reducing growth and feed efficiency. Nighttime feeding combined with adjusted light schedules offers an effective solution.

By shifting feeding to cooler evening and early morning hours, birds consume more feed when heat stress is minimal. A light regimen of 4 hours light, 2 hours dark during nighttime encourages multiple feeding bouts without prolonged fasting.

Studies show this strategy increases daily feed intake by 8–12% during hot seasons, improves body weight gain by 6–10%, and reduces mortality from heat stress by up to 30%. Additionally, feed conversion ratio improves modestly due to better nutrient utilization.

Implementing programmable timers for lights and feeders requires low investment but delivers consistent returns. For farms in tropical regions, nighttime feeding with light manipulation is a practical, low-cost adaptation to rising temperatures.

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