Durability and Illumination Degradation of Alternative Lighting Technologies for Poultry Production

Abstract

Lighting impacts the behavior, growth, and reproduction of poultry. Artificial lighting is extensively used in raising commercial poultry and more energy efficient alternative lamps including cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL), compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), and light emitting diodes (LED) are now available. The objective of this project was to determine the failure rate and illuminance degradation of alternative energy efficient light bulbs for use in poultry housing. An accelerated testing protocol utilizing simultaneous rapid durability testing of up to four replications of four lighting technologies within a poultry house was used to collect data. Representative commercially available incandescent, CFL, CCFL, and LED lamps were tested for 2,700 – 2,800 h. Lamps were cycled from 05:00 to 21:00 for 16 cycles of 45 min on and 15 min off. In Group 1, all four incandescent lamps failed during the testing period, while no lamps failed in Group 2. Incandescent lamps showed illuminance change with time. CFL lamp performance varied based on the specific lamp tested. CFL A and C had lamp failures during testing, which were not expected given the manufacturer estimated lifespan. CFL B had no failures during testing. CCFL lamps were tested in Group 2 and 2 of 4 lamps failed. The same non-agricultural specific LED lamp was used in Group 1 and 2 and 2 of 4 lamps failed in Group 2. The LED lamps tested showed repeatable and high correlation lumen depreciation.