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More light equals more milk. More of the right kind of light will encourage lactating cows to produce more milk, particularly at times of the year when natural light levels are low. DeLaval offers the opportunity to
control barn lighting at the optimum level, with the newly updated DeLaval farm lights FL250F and FL400F.
“It’s really that simple: more and adequate type of light stimulates milk production,” says DeLaval Solution Manager Cow Comfort Andrea Valsecchi.
Research shows that long daylight periods have a positive influence on milk yield, fertility and herd health. Providing 16 hours of adequate lighting –of 180 lux brightness- before eight hours of darkness gives the best results. DeLaval farm light is a metal halide light which can give the maximum benefits of long day lighting, to improve cow comfort, productivity and herd health.
Why does extended daylight increase milk production? “It has to do with the pineal gland,” says Valsecchi. In cows, as in most mammals, the pineal gland is controlled by the amount and intensity of light hitting the eyes each day. In dark conditions the pineal gland increases production
of melatonin, slowing down activity, appetite, productivity, Valsecchi explains. But bright light signals to the pineal gland, reduce melatonin production. Less melatonin increases cow activity, improves fertility –and stimulates milk production.
“The ‘how’ this happens is also easy to explain. When melatonin levels decrease, the liver increases production of other hormones including insulin growth factor -1 (IGF-1), and that stimulates milk production,” Valsecchi says.
According to DeLaval, maintaining and increasing milk production by introducing photoperiod management can be a profitable business in the darker autumn and winter months.
“A producer capable of delivering more milk when there is normally a seasonal shortage will benefit from the higher milk prices paid during
the low seasons. Installing the DeLaval farm light system can help to ensure farmers control their barn lighting for optimum benefit”
Valsecchi concludes. |
