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Story in Brief

Incandescent light bulbs have been the first choice for light sources in broiler houses for the spectrum and intensity provided as well as the ability to dim. Legislation has been introduced at the federal level that will result in these bulbs being phased out due to their inefficiency in power usage. LED light bulbs are becoming a more economical option for poultry producers. These bulbs are about 65 percent more efficient than incandescent bulbs and the version marketed to the poultry industry are dimmable. A UGA poultry scientist is conducting an ongoing evaluation of LED bulbs from four different manufacturers on a commercial broiler farms and one broiler pullet farm. The power usage, light intensity, lumen depreciation, light distribution and bulb life are being monitored. The LED lights are being compared to both compact fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. Thus far, the bulbs have saved 70 percent on power usage compared to incandescent bulbs and 30 percent power savings when compared to compact fluorescent bulbs. No LED bulbs have been replaced in the first year, where 90 percent of the incandescent bulbs have been replaced at a cost of 50 cents per bulb. In the first year, the LED bulbs resulted in $400 savings in power usage and bulb replacements compared to incandescent bulbs. UGA Cooperative Extension specialists, county agents and broiler companies will be providing this information to growers, poultry companies and equipment dealers so they can make decisions on which energy efficient bulbs to purchase and how to manage them. These bulbs are a significant investment to purchase for a poultry farm as bulb prices vary from $30 to $45. Using this information, broiler producers can choose a light source that will save them money by reducing energy usage and bulb replacement but also not lose money due to reductions in broiler performance as a result of improper light intensity in the broiler house.

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