Summary
Incandescent bulbs use in poultry houses is being phased out due to high electricity costs, and LED light bulbs are being promoted by a number of manufacturers. Poultry producers need information on the bulbs that will be available.
Situation
Incandescent (INC) 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 INC bulbs being phased out due to their inefficiency in power usage. Broiler producers need information on the bulbs that will be available. LED light bulbs are becoming a more economical option for poultry producers. These bulbs are approximately 65 percent more efficient than INC bulbs and the version marketed to the poultry industry are dimmable. Earlier versions of the LED bulb produced a light that was too focused. This is an issue in poultry houses because the light needs to be uniformly distributed throughout the house. Another issue with changing light sources is that not all light bulbs provide the same number of lumens which means that the light intensity at bird level could be much lower than desired. Traditionally, when poultry producers have purchased cheap replacement bulbs, the light intensity at floor level was not adequate for broiler production, or they had poor dimming curves, or did not last long. Poultry producers and poultry companies need information on bulb life, lumen output and efficiency to make sure that they make the best decision economically and that will not reduce bird performance.
Response
An ongoing evaluation of LED bulbs from four different manufacturers is being conducted 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 light intensity at floor level under a sample of bulbs is measured every six months to monitor lumen depreciation. The LED lights are being compared to both compact fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. Thus far, the bulbs have saved 70% on power usage compared to incandescent bulbs and 30% power savings when compared to compact fluorescent bulbs. No LED bulbs have been replaced in the first year, where 90% of the incandescent bulbs have been replaced at a cost of $0.50 per bulb. In the first year, the LED bulbs resulted in $400 savings in power usage and bulb replacements compared to incandescent bulbs.
Impact
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-$45. Utilizing 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.
State Issue
Agricultural Profitability and Sustainability
Details
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Year:
2012
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Geographic Scope:
National
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County:
Clarke
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Program Areas:
- Agriculture & Natural Resources
