Fuel Use in Poultry Production

Abstract A comprehensive survey was made to determine the type, amount, and cost of fuel used in growing poultry in the United States. Information was obtained from many sources including 16 broiler, 13 layer, 9 turkey and 4 duck integrators, individual growers, Cooperative Extension poultry specialists, state, regional, and national poultry associations, the Alabama Power Company, and USDA statistics. The type and amount of fuel used varied among regions of the country and with the type of poultry. Liquified petroleum (LP) gas was used in growing slightly more than four-fifths of the poultry. Other fuels used were natural gas, fuel oil, and coal. Total fuel used for brooding all types of poultry produced 1.95 × 1016 joules (1.85 × 1013 BTU) of energy per year. Estimated cost of fuel for growing poultry was approximately 55 million dollars. Follow-up studies during die winter of 1976–77 indicated an approximately 2% reduction in total fuel usage and a 10% increase in price. Further reductions in amount used are possible and are occurring each year. However, the rate of improvement will be influenced by severity of weather and management trends.