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What Kind of Lighting Truly Improves Milk Yield and Dairy Cow Health?
Visual Characteristics of the Bovine Eye
Cattle have dichromatic vision, with two primary types of cone cells in the retina that are sensitive to blue and orange wavelengths. Their peak spectral sensitivity occurs at approximately:450 nm (blue light) and 554 nm (orange light)
Sensitivity to Green and Red Wavelengths
Cattle show low sensitivity to green and red wavelengths.
1). Red light (>650 nm) appears close to darkness to cattle and can therefore be used for herd inspection without causing disturbance.
2). Green light (495–525 nm) is perceived as gray or dark shadows rather than true green.
3). Although cattle have limited color discrimination, high-color-rendering (high CRI) lighting enables farm staff to more accurately observe manure color, mucosal tone, skin condition, and feed quality.
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Scientific Management of Barn Lighting
Through evolution, cattle have adapted to natural daylight conditions but show a clear preference for resting in shaded areas and avoiding intense midday sunlight. Therefore, barn lighting should be maintained at a moderate intensity—both excessive and insufficient light can negatively affect health and feeding behavior.
Optimal lighting allows cows to clearly see feed while promoting uniform feed intake, thereby improving feed conversion efficiency.
1. Appropriate Illuminance Levels
1). Optimal illuminance during the light period:
Feeding alleys: 200–240 lux
Other areas: 100–150 lux
2). Dark period requirements:
Illuminance in all barn areas must be < 5 lux
The dark phase must be continuous, stable, and free from any light leakage
3). Advantages of LED lighting:
Precise control of spectrum and intensity
Energy-efficient delivery of comfortable, animal-friendly lighting
2. Importance of Lighting Uniformity
1). Uniform illumination:
Cattle have limited depth perception. Sudden changes in brightness on the floor can cause hesitation or stopping behavior.
Minimum uniformity:
Feeding areas: ≥ 0.7
Other areas: ≥ 0.5
2). Diffuse lighting is preferred:
Soft, evenly distributed light better matches bovine visual characteristics.
3). Flicker avoidance:
Sudden on/off switching can induce stress. A gradual dimming or ramp-up period of 30–60 minutes is recommended.
Scientific Control of the Barn Light Cycle
By precisely controlling illuminance levels and uniformity, barn lighting can optimize bovine circadian rhythms, reduce herd stress, improve feeding efficiency and overall health, and ultimately enhance milk yield and meat quality—achieving a win-win outcome for animal welfare and economic performance. The combination of light period (photoperiod) and dark period (scotoperiod) forms a 24-hour circadian rhythm that regulates multiple physiological functions in cattle.
1. Core Functions of the Photoperiod
a. Circadian rhythm regulation:Light period + dark period = 24-hour biological clock
b. Continuous lighting (24 hours) disrupts cows’ perception of day and night.
c. A mandatory dark period is essential to support:
(1). Immune function
(2). Reproductive hormone secretion
(3). Physical recovery and health maintenance
Physiological processes influenced by precise photoperiod control include:
* Growth rate & body weight
* Estrous cycle & reproductive efficiency
* Calcium absorption & survival rate
2. The Central Role of Melatonin
Light exposure → eye → hypothalamus → suppression of melatonin secretion → regulation of:
* Feeding behavior (directly increasing milk yield)
* Mammary development & lactation system
* Bone growth & digestive absorption
3. Key Implementation Principles for Photoperiod Management
Scientific photoperiod management transforms lighting from a basic utility into a productivity tool—delivering measurable gains in milk yield while optimizing energy use and animal welfare.
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