Presence of Natural Light through Frosted Glass

The BroilerNet project involves a bottom-up approach to identify challenges and innovation needs for broiler farmers in Europe, and to collect promising and already successfully implemented Good Practices to meet the challenges in questions. The top Good Practices selected by experts within the three thematic areas (animal health management, animal welfare and sustainability) have been summarized in factsheets.

Presence of natural light through frosted glass is a good practice aimed at optimising light management in poultry houses in order to improve animal welfare. From the day of arrival, controlled access to natural light is provided by using appropriate window surfaces equipped with frosted glass to diffuse light evenly while limiting thermal stress. This practice can be implemented on farms through the design or renovation of houses that allow sufficient natural light entry, combined with adjustable systems such as blinds or shades to regulate light intensity and prevent overheating or sudden light disturbances. By ensuring a stable, progressive and well-distributed light environment, this practice directly contributes to a reduction of stress, crowding behaviour and heat-related discomfort in animals. It targets animal welfare and farmer comfort, with indirect benefits for behaviour, health and overall production conditions in poultry farming.