Increasing light levels leads to increased milk production and profit in dairy herds.

Dairy farmers and researchers are always striving to find technologies that can enhance production and profitability in this industry. They also keep in mind that these technologies should not harm the health and welfare of the animals. Increasing the duration of light during the day is one of the methods that can boost production and profitability in dairy herds.

Dairy farmers and researchers are always striving to find technologies that can enhance production and profitability in this industry. They also keep in mind that these technologies should not harm the health and welfare of the animals. Increasing the duration of light during the day is one of the methods that can boost production and profitability in dairy herds.

What is the duration of light during the day?

The duration of light during the day is simply defined as the amount of darkness and light that a cow receives or is exposed to in a day. In summer, cows are exposed to long light durations, meaning 16 to 18 hours of light and 6 to 8 hours of darkness. In winter, cows are exposed to shorter light durations.

How does more light lead to more milk production?

In 1978, a study was conducted for the first time showing that longer light exposure increases milk production by 8 percent.

Cows transmit light to the pineal gland through receptors in their eyes. An increase in the signals reaching the pineal gland results in a reduction in the secretion of the hormone melatonin, consequently reducing the melatonin levels in the blood. Lower melatonin concentration leads to an increase in the secretion of prolactin and IGF-1 hormones from the liver. IGF-1 increases milk production in the mammary glands. One hypothesis suggests that prolonged light exposure alters the activity of growth hormone receptors in the liver.

Do cows eat more with increased light exposure?

If the lamps are installed correctly, it is expected that feed consumption per cow increases by 907 grams per day. However, increasing feed consumption does not necessarily lead to increased milk production. Cows eat more to supply the energy needed for higher milk production.

How much light should there be?

Research has shown that cows require 20 foot-candles of light during extended lighting periods. Light intensity can be measured using a handheld light meter. 18 to 20 foot-candles is recommended for longer lighting periods. During the 6 to 8 hours of darkness, the barn should be dark, but some light is necessary for cows to find water and food in the dark.

What is the amount and type of lamps that can be used?

The number of lamps depends on the size of the barn, the type of barn (whether it is a freestall or a loose housing), and the light output of the selected lamps. Three types of lamps that are suitable for illuminating open barns include: metal halide (MH), high-pressure sodium (HPS), and fluorescent lamps. The light of HPS lamps has a yellow or golden hue, while MH lamps emit white light. Many prefer white MH lamps.

What should be the distance between the lamps? What should be the height for mounting the lamps?

Increasing the distance between lamps reduces brightness; additionally, the higher the mounting height of the lamps, the less light reaches the cows. If using MH or HPS lamps in freestall barns, the typical height for mounting lamps is 3.5 to 4.5 meters. Also, if the distance between lamps is too great, the light does not disperse properly, resulting in uneven illumination.

Mr. Dahl has stated that the distance between the lamps should be 1.5 times the height of the lamps, while Mr. Janni suggests a distance between 1.2 to 1.7 times the height of the lamps.

Safety First

If you want to do this yourself, you must have skills in electrical work and wiring. If you plan to hire someone skilled in electrical work and wiring for this task, ensure they are familiar with wiring principles and electrical work in dairy farming. The wiring method and materials used should be completely waterproof, resistant to any corrosion, and properly durable.

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