Fuel-Insulation Tradeoffs for Arkansas Broiler Houses

Production of broilers requires very large quantities of heating energy. Optimum growth of broilers requires that the broiler house temperature be maintained within a narrow range. In Arkansas, chicks are normally started at a house temperature of 75°F with a 3°F per week reduction until a temperature of no less than 60° F is reached and maintained. Feed represents about sixty percent of total production cost, and most studies indicate that feed consumption increases rapidly as the temperature around the birds drops below 65° F. Most grower contracts contain an efficiency clause in which part of their payment depends on how efficient they are in converting feed to meat. They must maintain a certain minimum degree of efficiency to continue growing for their contractor. House temperatures can thus be lowered somewhat, but must be maintained within rather narrow limits for growers to continue to produce. This is mentioned to point out just how vulnerable growers are to rising fuel prices. Approximately 80 percent of Arkansas broiler growers use propane. The retail price of propane ranged from $0.18 to $0.41 per gallon in Arkansas from January 1973, to September 1977.