Lighting for dairy cattle
Agrilight® sets itself apart with its expertise in the field of lighting technology and in the specific application of light for various types of livestock. We are regularly asked what is the most suitable light regime for healthy, productive livestock. It is important for you to know that when we give advice concerning a light regime, we always base the advice on the following factors: scientific basis, durability, animal welfare and practical experience.
Light intensity, daylight hours and the colour of the light all influence animal behaviour. The right balance of these three factors has a positive influence on the livestock. Correct, uniform lighting contributes to better health and productivity among other things.
Research has been going on into the effects of lighting on dairy cattle since 1978. This has shown that correct light intensity and duration makes a substantial, positive contribution to the health, welfare and productivity of dairy cattle. Probably the most well known phenomenon concerning lighting is that it controls hormone management in dairy cattle and so has a positive influence on milk production. Less well known advantages of correct lighting are the positive influence on and a better detection of fertility and the fact that illnesses can be spotted earlier. In other words having the correct lighting will ensure that livestock are healthy and active.
Dairy cattle cannot distinguish between colours so it is only the intensity and duration of the light that is important. Having between 16 and 18 hours of light at a minimum of 150 to 200 lux, with darkness for the other 6 to 8 hours will provide the positive benefits mentioned earlier. This light regime is good for both dairy cattle and young stock. In contrast to this, dry cattle get greater benefits from a light regime that is the reverse of the one above with 8 hours of light and 16 hours of darkness because this stimulates growth.
Agrilight® has developed the following products for use in dairy cattle sheds:
AL2007 (250-400 Watt)
These products have already proven themselves in practise in dairy cattle barns in a variety of different projects. We would be happy to show you a few interesting examples of lighting in sheds for cows and goats.