Points of attention for stable lighting for dairy cattle
Out of bed, lights on. To bed, lights off? No, we don't do it that way anymore. There is also plenty to take into account for dairy farmers in the field of stable lighting.
The cow's biological clock
The cow also has a biological clock that changes with the seasons and influences its behavior. Hormone balance and milk production are also influenced by this biological clock. The length of the day, the intensity of the light and the color of the light of the stable lighting in dairy cattle must therefore be tailored to this.
The ideal stable lighting scheme for dairy cattle
Cows are naturally more active in spring and summer. By imitating these long days all year round for dairy cows and young cattle, activity and productivity are increased. By imitating a day, it is important for all animals that the transition between day and night is as in nature. With a gradual transition: “twilight”. A good light regime also benefits the health and fertility of your cows.
dairy cows
16 hours of light supplies one 10% higher milk production for dairy cows. Longer days have a positive effect on the behavior of cows, they lie down more, stand less and move less. Feed intake also increases. The remaining 6 hours must be dark so that the cow can reset her biological clock. This light schedule has a positive effect on milk production, fertility, growth, animal welfare and health of dairy cattle.
Dry cows
Dry cows benefit from a different schedule. When they are exposed to short days of 6 to 8 hours during the dry period and then long days of 16 to 18 hours during lactation, they produce up to 4 kg of extra milk per day in the first 3 months. This schedule applies also for heifers. The long night rhythm also gives the udders extra rest, which prevents mastitis.
young stock
Long 16 hour days ensure accelerated growth and development in young cattle. They reach puberty faster and develop a better udder.
How strong can the light be?
For an artificial day and night rhythm, “during the day” is a light intensity of 150 lux necessary. During the night there should be a maximum of 5 lux to get a good night's sleep. Cows prefer to choose the brightest places in the stable, which is why it is important to illuminate the entire stable evenly.
TIP: Are you curious about how light it is in your stable? There are apps (lux meter) that allow you to measure this. Measure at a height of 60-75cm (approximately above the knee) in places such as the feeding fence and the cubicles.
DSD range of lighting
Would you like to know more about the products in our range? View the range and a detailed description on our product page.
LED lighting is 60% more efficient
LED stable lighting for dairy cattle? That is no longer so expensive and weak. That is great for your energy bill. Because you save as much as 60% on energy with LED stable lighting compared to fluorescent fixtures. Moreover, a simple fluorescent lamp only lasts 10.000 hours. An LED fixture lasts up to 70.000 hours.
Red light at night
Research has shown that cows can hardly perceive red light. By having a red light on during the final inspection rounds, the rest time of your livestock is not disrupted and you can simply do your work.
Mimic twilight
By adding smart controls to your lighting, you can create a peaceful transition between night and day that slowly increases light intensity over 1 hour. This way, your cows won't wake up when you turn on the light in the morning or turn it off in the evening.
Stable lighting for dairy cattle from DSD
DSD stable equipment helps you with smart, energy-efficient lighting for your entire stable. With simple controls, smart sensors and automation, we make it easy to achieve the perfect day-night rhythm for your livestock.
What can we help you with?
High cow comfort and welfare will soon be reflected in milk production. Our specialists are happy to come to your stable to see what the possibilities are.
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