The power of the biorhythm
Every animal has a unique physiological response to light intensity (measured in lux) and light duration (photoperiod). An optimal regime stimulates the right hormones, while the dark period provides crucial recovery. Because every animal is unique, this requires a targeted approach:
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Dairy farming: A proven lighting regime of 16 to 18 hours of bright light (150 to 200 lux), followed by 6 to 8 hours of darkness, optimally activates the cow. This so-called ‘long-day’ rhythm stimulates feed intake and yields a demonstrable milk production increase of 5% to up to 15%.
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Poultry farming: Birds are extremely sensitive to light. Completely flicker-free LED lighting is essential to prevent stress. In addition, we use specific light spectra for targeted goals: blue light is often used for calmness in the barn with broilers, while red light is regularly applied to laying hens. And so there are more specific colors or choices to be made, such as which color temperature (Kelvin) of the lighting to choose that you yourself experience as pleasant. These specific colors and color temperatures must be carefully considered, because they can positively influence the behavior of humans and animals and are therefore important when considering which lighting to install in a barn.
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Pig farming: Pigs need at least 8 hours of light daily at a level of about 50 lux as a general rule of thumb. Again, light can have a different effect in certain trajectories. In breeding, for example, extending the ‘day’ to 14 to 16 hours can help to successfully stimulate estrus in sows.
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Goat farming: Goats are highly seasonal animals; light has a clear effect on them, but so does the lack of light. With strategic light management, you control the natural rhythm to extend the lactation period and realize a constant milk yield in the winter months.
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Horse farming and breeding: Good lighting is also important for horses; for example, for broodmares and stallions, a light duration of 14 to 16 hours helps in regulating the fertility cycle. Please note: horses react skittishly to sudden bright light. It is therefore very important to use dimmable fixtures that can slowly build up the light via a soft ‘fade-in’. So not only the right lighting is important, but the control systems also deserve attention.
More comfortable working, safety, and better management
Good lighting is indispensable for you as an entrepreneur, but the ideal lighting solution is different for every barn and every entrepreneur. Where one swears by a clear color temperature of 5000 Kelvin (daylight white) for maximum alertness and visibility, another finds 4000 Kelvin (neutral white) more pleasant for the eyes during daily tasks. Because personal preference and the specific layout of your barn are closely related, we are happy to provide you with tailor-made advice. To see exactly which lighting solution suits your situation, you can request a professional lighting plan from us.
A seamless light distribution is of crucial importance here. Animals, and cattle in particular, have limited depth perception. Hard shadows or ‘dark spots’ on the walking floor can scare them, which quickly leads to congestion, refusals, or injuries. By means of an accurately calculated lighting plan, we ensure that every square meter is optimally illuminated, fitting your wishes and the needs of the livestock.
Focus on rest and control
For nocturnal inspection rounds, especially in dairy farming, dimmed, red inspection light is a perfect solution. Cows can barely perceive this color of light, so their biological clock and the production of melatonin are not disrupted. This allows you to safely carry out inspections or walk quietly through the barn without interrupting the necessary rest and hormonal cycles of your dairy cattle.
Do you want to know how red inspection light or a specific color temperature can increase the yield in your barn? We are ready to advise you on this. Contact us for a personal consultation or request a lighting plan directly to realize the perfect balance between work comfort and animal welfare.
Choose robust technology in a challenging environment
Barns are among the most demanding environments for electronics. Constant exposure to moisture, swirling dust, ammonia, methane, etc., take their toll on the equipment daily. Optimal barn lighting is therefore always custom work; the technology must not only be internally perfect but also resistant to these extreme external influences. Because every barn has unique challenges, a good plan is essential; we can advise you extensively on this and then translate it directly into practice.
What we specifically pay attention to in order to contribute to the continuity in your company:
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Water and dust resistance (IP rating): We work exclusively with fixtures with a minimum IP rating of IP65. For spaces that are intensively and wet cleaned, such as the milking parlor or washing areas, we recommend our extra robust IP66 or IP67 fixtures. These are fully sealed against penetrating moisture and dust, which significantly extends the lifespan of the electronics.
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Impact resistance: In a dynamic barn environment, fixtures can be accidentally hit by livestock or heavy equipment. However, Agrilight’s fixtures are specifically designed for this sector. They are manufactured from high-quality, impact-resistant materials that are not only resistant to physical impact but also to the chemical effects of barn emissions. This focus on mechanical strength ensures that your lighting continues to function, even under the toughest conditions.
Are you curious which type of lighting fixture is most suitable for your company? We are happy to provide you with tailor-made advice on the right choice of materials and technical specifications. Contact us and request a lighting plan to realize a sustainable and reliable lighting solution for your company.