Cows, like many living beings, have internal biological rhythms. Their activity and rest patterns are naturally synced with daylight and darkness. The 16 hours of white light align with their active phase, ensuring they are awake, active, and eating during the day, which is in tune with their natural behavior.
Milk Production and Hormones:
Exposure to 16 hours of white light affects hormone levels in cows, particularly IGF-1, which has a substantial impact on milk production. Studies have shown a significant increase in milk yield, around 6-10%, due to this lighting schedule.
Melatonin and Well-being:
Cows need around 8 hours of darkness for their well-being. Red light during this period doesn’t disrupt their sleep patterns and also can ease their stress compared with the complete darkness. The red light ensures stable melatonin levels for cows which is crucial for good sleep, reproductive health, and overall well-being.
Usonic Night Simulator Fixture:
The Usonic night simulator fixture is an efficient solution designed for dairy barns, combining these optimal lighting conditions seamlessly. Its 16 hours of white light followed by 8 hours of red light support the natural rhythms of cows, ensuring they maintain their routine, even during shifts in human time schedules like Daylight Saving Time. This consistency is crucial for their comfort and well-being.
By providing this constant pattern of light, farmers can ensure their cows remain in a comfortable and familiar routine, resulting in happier cows and potentially better milk production, regardless of human time changes.
