The U.S. Poultry and Egg Association (USPOULTRY) and the USPOULTRY Foundation have announced the completion of a funded research project at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, during which researchers evaluated new lighting technologies for broiler houses.
The project was entitled the “Evaluation of A LED Lighting System for Poultry Facilities” and was conducted by Brian Fairchild, Mike Czarick, and John Worley, Department of Poultry Science, at the University of Georgia.
The researchers studied the practical use and limitations of LED bulbs used in commercial broiler houses. LED lighting was compared to compact fluorescent and incandescent bulbs in terms of light intensity, ability to be uniformly dimmed, and longevity in the broiler house environment.
The researchers found that light intensity depreciated over time with different LED bulbs. The also found that some LED bulbs are not suited for direct moisture application as can occur when the inside of a broiler house is washed. LED bulbs were found to work well with the appropriate dimmer.
The research provides very practical information for growers and companies considering converting to LED lighting in poultry houses. For a detailed summary, click here.
