LIGHT FITTING IN POULTRY HOUSE

MUHAMMAD ADEEL ARSHAD2011-ag-2203

Roll # 6Ps-304 (theory)

Tiny portion of the total electromagnetic

spectrum, which includes radio waves, microwaves, x-rays and gamma rays.

Lighting plays a large role in poultry production and bird performance.

A well designed, energy efficient lighting system can mean higher lighting levels, better bird performance and lower energy costs.

WHAT IS LIGHT?

Chickens detect light not only through the retinal

cone receptors in the eyes, but also via extra retinal photoreceptors in the pineal gland and the hypothalamic gland.

In poultry, red light is vital for stimulating sexual maturity and egg production.

Red light is able to penetrate the skull to stimulate the extra retinal photoreceptors.

The hypothalamus is important in regulating the production of hormones important for egg production.

Poultry Light Biology

Adequate lighting in poultry houses is

essential. To be able to identify weak or infected

birds. For a good feeding environment. Good designs for happy birds. Dusk to dawn stimulators essential. Dimming essential. To maintain good hygiene – cleaning /

washing. To satisfy requirements.

Light Purpose

To know how to reduce energy costs it is important to

understand the terms used to measure light. I. Lumens: light output from a lamp is measured in

the term "lumens" (lm). For example, a 40 watt (W) incandescent light bulb produces about 13 lumens per watt or 13 lm/W.

II. Lux or Foot-Candle: the light level at the working surface is measured in lux or foot-candle (fc). [10 lux equals »1 fc] Typical light levels in animal pens and corner areas of barns can be less than 5 lux or ½ fc.

Light Levels

i. Incandescent Bulbs: Traditional bulb choice in poultry farms. Inefficient because power is released as heat. Lifespan=> 1,000 hours or approximately two

months if lit 16 hours/day. Increase in their usage in poultry because

they can be dimmed to a very low light level.

Lamp Type

ii. Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs): Most common household and commercial

replacement for the incandescent bulb lifespan =>10,000 hour or almost two years if lit

16 hours/day. Use 75% less energy than incandescent bulb. A 23-Watt CFL =100-Watt incandescent bulb. standard CFL does not have dimming capabilities. prevents birds from clustering in one area.

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iii. Cold-Cathode Bulbs: Cold-cathodes are a newer technology,

high efficiency fluorescent bulb. Lifespan=>approximately 25,000 hours. An 8-Watt cold-cathode = 40-Watt I.B For more lumens than an 8-Watt cold

cathode they should combine cold- cathodes with another lighting option, generally a CFL.

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iv. Light Emitting Diode (LED): LED lights are exceptionally long-lasting (approximately

50,000 hours) and now come in a variety of colors and options.

LEDs come in various forms - spot, linear or strip and monochromatic colors. They can be dimmed.

Advantages of LEDs: environmental friendly-energy efficient with 1/5th of the

power consumption of incandescent lamps. multicolor ‑ available in all colors. high speed response ‑ immediate response, no preheat or

starting time required.

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v. Tube Fluorescents:

Tube Fluorescents are similar in their output to CFLs but achieve even higher energy efficiency.

Failed to achieve a significant market share because of high installation and maintenance costs.

Because they are installed inside large fixtures, the cleaning of these bulbs is also an extremely tenuous process.

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vi. High Pressure Sodium (HPS) Bulbs: HPS bulbs are extremely efficient (appr-oaching 95 lumens per watt). A costly installation Inability to dim to low light levels. Birds do not react negatively to HPS light. HPS bulbs are more popular in laying houses

that do not use dimmer switches.

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Lighting needs vary with production type and task.Poultry farms and processing plants vary in function, size, layout and degree of mechanization. The amount and length of time light is required by the birds is different from what the worker requirements. Table provides a lighting guide for poultry production for light levels and photoperiod requirements directly associated with production.

Poultry Lighting

Type of Poultry Age (Weeks) Minimum Light Intensity Lux

(foot-candles)

Photo Period(hours of light per

day)

Chicken Broilers

0-0.4 20-30 (2-3) 24

0.4-4 5-10 (0.5-1) 20-12*

4 to market 5-10 (0.5-1) 20-24*

Chicken Layers

0-2 10-30 (1-3) 22-16**

2-6 10-30 (1-3) 16-8**

6-18 5-10 (0.5-1) 8-10**

18-80 5-10 (0.5-1) 15

Lighting Guide for Poultry Production

Type of Poultry Age (Weeks) Minimum Light Intensity Lux

(foot-candles)

Photo Period(hours of light per

day)

Broiler Breeders 0-3 30-50 (3-5) 18 4-20 10-30 (1-3) 9 20-64 30-50 (3-5) 15

Specific factors affecting overall performance of

lighting systems are room size and height, color of walls, ceiling and equipment, type of lamp and luminary, and lamp height and spacing.

Generally speaking, most luminaries can be suspended from 7 to 10 feet above the floor in poultry buildings.

Allow 2 lumens of lamp output for each square foot of floor area to provide a lighting level of 1 foot-candle.

System plans and layout

Most lamps are rated at 120 volts for single-phase wiring

systems. The outlet voltage should be within 3 or 4 volts of rated

lamp voltage. Too high a voltage will increase light output but will greatly

shorten lamp life. On the other hand, too low a voltage will increase the lamp

life but will give considerably lower light output. Always use UL (Underwriter's Laboratories) approved

wiring, fixtures and wiring materials. If wiring is to be installed in a wet, corrosive atmosphere,

use type NMC or UFNMC grounded cable; if underground, use type UF or USE.

Electrical wiring

Areas and visual tasksBrooding production and haying houses Feeding, inspection and cleaning = 20 foot- candles Read charts and records = 30 foot- candles Read thermometers, thermostat and time clock = 50 foot- candlesHatcheries General and loading platform = 20 foot- candles Inspect and clean inside incubators = 50 foot- candles Dubbing station = 150 foot- candles Sexing = 1,000 foot- candles

Illumination levels for poultry farm

Egg handling, packing and shipping General cleaning = 50 foot- candles Inspecting for egg quality = 50 foot- candles Loading platform, egg storage area, etc. = 20 foot- candlesEgg processing General lighting (clean-up for food preparation areas)

= 70 foot- candlesFeed storage Prepare and process feed rations = 10 foot- candles Read charts and records = 30 foot- candles

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Machine storage Move machinery in and out safely = 5 foot- candlesFarm shop Active storage area = 10 foot- candles General shop lighting — machinery repair = 30 foot- candles Rough bench — machine work (painting, sheet metal work, welding) = 50

foot- candles Medium bench — machine work (metal lathe, grinding and drill press) = 100

foot- candlesMiscellaneous Farm office (bookkeeping, etc.) = 50 foot- candles Restrooms = 30 foot- candles Pump house = 20 foot- candles

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Area or activity Recommended foot-candles Typical installation*

Protective lighting 0.2 175-watt mercury refractor mounted 25 feed high for lighting 8,000 square feet; or incandescent floodlight**

General work areas, driveway, walks, barn lots

1.0 400-watt mercury refractor mounted 25 feet high for lighting 8,000 square feet; or incandescent floodlight**

Activity areas, fuel storage, building entrance, electrical load center, feedlots and equipment, livestock loading, recreation area

3.0 400-watt mercury refractor mounted 25 feet high for 2,000 square feet; or incandescent floodlight or spotlight

Outdoor lighting recommendations

Over the long run, lighting on poultry farms has the

potential to save energy for the farmer. One simple way to reduce energy costs by 75% is

to switch from incandescent lighting to fluorescent T8 lighting.

Using dimmers can also reduce energy costs. By making these changes, along with other improvements, your poultry operation lighting system will be more energy efficient.

This can lead to improved farm productivity and increased revenue, while lowering energy.

Summary