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AGRILED 3 SERIES
The professional standard in energy-efficient LED barn lighting that contributes a scientifically proven benefit to production, fertility and animal welfare
Dairy cattle
We are regularly asked what is the most suitable lighting regime for healthy, productive livestock. It is important to know that our advice about lighting for livestock housing always takes account of the following factors:
- scientific basis
- animal welfare
- durability
- practical experience
It is important to realise that independent research into the effects of lighting on dairy cattle has been carried out since 1978. It has shown that the correct light intensity and duration have a very positive effect on the health, fertility, welfare and productivity of dairy cattle. Probably the best known phenomenon of light is that it controls hormone levels in dairy cattle and therefore has a positive impact on milk yield, which can increase by 15%. It is probably less well known that correct, uniform lighting in livestock housing improves fertility and has a positive influence on oestrus, and also makes it easier to spot. The calving interval can also be reduced by using the correct lighting regime and light levels. Signs of disease can also be detected at an earlier stage. In other words: the correct lighting will ensure that livestock are healthy and active.
Dairy cattle cannot distinguish between high pressure sodium and metal halide, so only the intensity and duration of the light are important. Research has shown that the minimum light level should be 150 lux. A lighting regime of 16 hours of light at a minimum of 150 lux, followed by 8 hours of darkness (maximum 5 lux) will produce the positive benefits mentioned above. Using the lighting to increase the day length affects melatonin production. Melatonin is also known as the sleep hormone. Light inhibits melatonin production and darkness accelerates it. In other words, longer periods of light mean less sleep hormone and healthier, more active cows. The lighting regime described above simulates long summer days, the days when the cow is naturally most active, resulting in higher yields and higher feed intake.
Red light
Red light is the most suitable light source to use as night lighting when the dairy farmer has to be in the barn during the dark period. This is the conclusion of, among others, Livestock Research of Wageningen University and the Leiden University Medical Center from research*.
The (monochromatic) red light is the most ideal light source to use as night lighting in the barn during the inspection round or activities of the dairy farmer, because with this light color the biorhythm of the cow is disturbed the least.
In addition, Agrilight has many years of experience with the use of red light as ‘night light’ in the barn, with many positive reactions from livestock farmers.
* Title: “The effect of light color and light duration on milk production and behavior of dairy cattle”. Report 652, Nov. 2012.
In summary, a regime of 16 hours of light at a level of 150 to 200 lux followed by 8 hours of darkness produces the following results in dairy cows:
• Up to 15% more milk
• Improved fertility
• Better oestrus detection
• Shorter calving intervals
• Better disease detection
An unsuitable light level or lighting regime may have implications for the health, performance and welfare of your livestock. That’s why you should always seek advice before purchasing lighting for your livestock housing. We can draw up a free, no-obligation lighting plan that will set out all the benefits of a good, well-designed light level.
AGRILIGHT
AGRILED 3 PRO
The new AGRILED® 3 pro has been specially developed to achieve a light level of 150-200 lux at floor level, available with and without red control light, which offers the scientifically proven benefits in the field of animal welfare.
AGRILED 3
The new AGRILED® 3 is a luminaire that has been developed for use with dry cows, lower barns and provides pleasant working light.
AGRILED 3 ECO
The new AGRILED® 3 eco is a luminaire that has been developed for the general light requirement in the barn. Functions such as the integrated red indicator light, possibility of control via AGRIBOX pro and light sensor are therefore not possible.
AGRIBOX PRO
The AGRIBOX pro enables light management of the AGRILED® pro fixtures to be fully automated using a DALI signal (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface).