How HATO and Aviagen Are Elevating Poultry Farming in Argentina

The pursuit of excellence in poultry farming is a continuous journey - one that thrives on knowledge-sharing, innovation, and collaboration.  
 
This February, HATO had the honor of joining Aviagen’s 'Conocimientos sin Fronteras' technical school program in Argentina, a renowned initiative designed to equip broiler producers with advanced technical expertise.

Our participation was more than just an opportunity to share insights; it was a chance to experience firsthand the challenges and opportunities within Argentina’s poultry sector and demonstrate how optimal lighting can enhance broiler performance. 

A Collaborative Approach to Knowledge-Sharing  

Invited by Aviagen SAEB as the leading lighting specialist with broad experience and innovation in poultry lighting, HATO was welcomed as an integral part of the program. Our expertise was particularly valued due to the HATO-ONE, the industry's most accurate lighting measurement unit, which is now officially referenced in Aviagen’s guidelines.

During our journey through Entre Ríos—a province at the heart of Argentina’s poultry industry—we engaged with a diverse audience, including broiler producers, veterinarians, farm managers, and technical teams. Across multiple locations, we delivered technical lectures and conducted practical on-farm lighting assessments, demonstrating how optimized lighting can positively influence broiler behavior, welfare, and productivity. 

Bringing Light to Argentina’s Poultry Sector  

Our itinerary included key visits to leading poultry producers, such as Las Camelias and Calisa, both of whom play significant roles in Argentina’s broiler and layer markets. During our presentations, we highlighted fundamental aspects of poultry lighting, including: 

• Light intensity, uniformity, and distribution – ensuring optimal visibility and comfort for broilers while reducing stress. 

• The role of color in poultry behavior – demonstrating the benefits of warm white and blue lighting for enhancing welfare and operational efficiency. 

• Dimmability and energy efficiency – showcasing how adjustable lighting can align with genetic guidelines, reduce costs, and improve productivity. 

• The impact of flicker on poultry health – an eye-opener for many attendees, reinforcing the importance of flicker-free lighting. 

Many producers were particularly intrigued by the ability to integrate multiple colors within a single lamp, as well as the long-term economic benefits of high-quality, durable LED solutions. 

On-Farm Insights & Lighting Assessments 

Beyond the conference room, we conducted hands-on lighting assessments at multiple broiler farms using the HATO-ONE. These assessments provided critical insights into the lighting conditions at both new and existing facilities: 

• Old farms: Suboptimal light distribution due to the use of non-dimmable, conventional LED bulbs and dark ceiling materials. Our recommendations included customized lighting plans and the adoption of warm white, flicker-free lighting. 

• New farms: Challenges with uneven lighting distribution, excessive light intensity, and reliance on low-cost, short-lifespan LED solutions. We advised adjustments to dimmability settings and explored retrofitting options with more advanced lighting technology. 

Across all sites, farm operators were impressed by the precision of the HATO-ONE and its ability to capture key lighting parameters that impact broiler welfare and productivity. 

Strengthening Future Collaborations 

The impact of our participation extended beyond knowledge-sharing. With Argentina accounting for a significant portion of South America’s poultry production, our involvement in 'Conocimientos sin Fronteras' has opened doors to new partnerships and opportunities to elevate poultry lighting standards across the region.