Introduction
Bullying behavior among livestock, particularly in dairy cows, can lead to stress, injuries, and reduced productivity. Traditional solutions, such as increasing space or frequent regrouping, are often costly and impractical. This article explores an innovative, low-cost approach: weight-based grouping combined with nighttime red-white lighting, which has shown promise in reducing aggression and improving animal welfare.
The Problem of Bullying in Herds
Dominant cows often bully weaker ones, restricting access to feed, water, and resting areas. This behavior is more pronounced in groups with significant weight disparities. Bullying increases stress, lowers milk yield, and leads to uneven growth rates. Research indicates that reducing weight variation within groups can minimize aggression, but additional environmental controls—such as lighting—can further enhance results.
Weight-Based Grouping: A Scientific Approach
Grouping cows by similar body weight (within 10-15% variation) helps establish balanced social hierarchies. This method:
Reduces competition for resources
Improves feed efficiency
Simplifies health monitoring
However, grouping alone is insufficient. Supplemental strategies, such as controlled lighting, are needed to optimize herd behavior.
Nighttime Simulator: How Red-White Lighting Works
The red-white lighting system, commonly called "dairy cow night lights," mimics natural dusk and dawn conditions. It uses:
Red light (630 nm ) – Calms cows, reducing aggression
White light （5000k）– Provides visibility for nighttime movement
The system gradually adjusts light intensity and color ratios to align with cows' circadian rhythms, promoting relaxation while maintaining necessary activity levels.
Combining Weight Grouping with Lighting for Maximum Effect
Studies show that weight-based grouping + red-white lighting can:
Reduce bullying by 40-60%
Improve feed efficiency by ~15%
Decrease growth rate disparities among cows
Conclusion
Weight-based grouping combined with nighttime red-white lighting offers a low-cost, high-impact solution to bullying in dairy herds. By improving welfare and productivity, this method represents a practical step toward smarter, stress-free farming.