1 Trends in US Poultry Housing for Energy Conservation John W. Worley Associate Professor University of Georgia

2 Co-authors Mr. Michael Czarick –Biological and Agricultural Engineering –University of Georgia Dr. Brian Fairchild –Poultry Science –University of Georgia

3 Overview Background Energy Saving Technologies Survey Results Conclusions - Needs

4 Growth in Broiler Production in Southeastern US

5 Reasons for regional growth –Low-cost land, labor, and housing –Synergy with cow-calf operations – Restoration of depleted crop lands Low-cost housing meant: –Natural Ventilation –Cheap construction –Little or no insulation or powered ventilation

6 Evolution of birds and housing Improvements in genetics and nutrition Improvements in buildings Better buildings necessary for better bird performance

7 Energy efficiency Has always been considered Low historic energy prices Recent changes Energy now on Front Burner

8 Objectives Quantify expected energy savings from eight technologies (per house) Determine present and projected adoption rate by industry (poll) Estimate potential energy savings attributable to these technologies (sample and industry-wide)

9 Energy Saving Technologies Tunnel Ventilation –Allows greater bird densities and improves bird performance –No energy savings recognized in this report

10 Energy Saving Technologies Electronic Controllers –Tighter control of desired temperature –Improved bird environment and performance –No energy savings recognized in this report Heaters Exhaust Fans

11 Energy Saving Technologies - Gas House Tightness –Allows control of entering air (winter conditions) –Curtain Flaps – one example of tightening –O.1 static pressure with one 48-inch fan –Projected 15% gas savings

12 Energy Saving Technologies - Gas Solid Walls –Reduces leaks and conductive heat flow –Savings depend on size of opening and R-value of solid wall –Can be solid wall on both sides or North side –Projected 15% gas savings

13 Energy Saving Technologies - Gas Circulation Fans –Reduces heat stratification –Increases bird comfort while reducing gas consumption –Savings depend on type of heat and management (10 to 30%) –Projected 20% gas savings

14 Energy Saving Technologies - Gas Litter Treatments –Reduce pH of litter –Reduces ammonia emissions –Reduces required ventilation during brooding –Projected 20% gas savings

15 Energy Saving Technologies - Gas Wider Houses –Reduces exposed wall area per bird –Usually thicker walls (increased R value) –50 ft wide or wider –Projected 15% gas savings

16 Energy Saving Technologies - Electricity High efficiency exhaust fans –Combination of efficient motors and housing –Cone exhaust is indicator of efficiency –Projected 15% savings based on EER improvement from 19 to 22 (Typical range of 16 to 24 for poultry ventilation fans)

17 Summary of Expected Savings TechnologyEstimated % Savings House Tightness15% (gas) Solid Walls15% (gas) Circulation Fans20% (gas) Litter Treatments20% (gas) Wider Houses15% (gas) Hi-Eff. Exhaust Fans15% (electric) Note: Gas savings are multiplicative, not additive

18 Survey Results Sent survey to 20 complexes in GA, SC, and AL Received 11 replies (all from GA) Replies represent 806 million broilers per year –64% of production in Georgia –9.5% of total US production 6218 houses (projected 6418 by 2010)

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22 Conclusions Energy savings is recognized by the industry as important Technologies have had varying degrees of acceptance The need for education and further demonstration of technologies still exists Circulation fans, hi-eff. exhaust fans, and wider housing show the greatest potential for future savings