Barn lighting and animal welfare are interrelated issues. Successful lighting has been proven to increase animal welfare by 15%. It also improves the overall quality of life, resulting in higher milk yields. In addition, increasing lighting optimizes energy production and has a positive impact on productivity. For barn lighting, which can be handled as LED and natural light lighting systems, choices should be made that are both economical and increase the welfare of the animals.

Thanks to barn lighting, improved fertility is also ensured and diseases can be detected in a short time. Scientific research shows that barn lighting positively affects the welfare, health and performance of animals. In this way, you can achieve higher production by using quality feed and maximize barn performance. An ideal lighting system should include an 8-hour night and 16-hour day cycle. This is when the cows are actually most active and supports productivity by increasing feed consumption.

What are the Types of Barn Lighting?
Barn lighting types can be preferred in two different ways. Some factors should be considered before choosing these lights, which you can use as general and task lighting in the form of LED or red light. These factors have an impact on the productivity, welfare and health of animals.

In the lighting level stage, the choice should be made according to the duration of lighting and the intensity of the light. Light intensity is set to increase milk yield in barns. This level should be a minimum of 150 lumens. It is also stated in some sources that the light intensity can be increased up to 200 lumens. Lighting duration is also very important in this context. The daily lighting time should be at least 16 hours and the darkness time should be 8 hours. Actions to be taken in this way increase milk production by affecting the melatonin level of animals. In addition, it also ensures the regulation of their biological clocks.

The lighting plan should be considered in this process. The correct placement of the lighting type will ensure an even distribution of light in the barns. Layout and height factors also increase the effectiveness of light. It is important that lighting should be equipped with light sensors and integrated timers so that it can be controlled automatically. Automatic control improves animal welfare and saves energy.

You can choose between red light or LED lighting as barn lighting types. Red light protects the hormone balance of dairy cows and does not disturb the animals during night observations. However, LED lighting systems are long-lasting and energy efficient. Therefore, they are more preferred. It also ensures trouble-free observation of your animals as it does not affect their resting time at night. White light is also used in some milking parlors. It is generally preferred in places and milking parlors that require high illumination.

High-pressure sodium lamps are also among the barn lighting types. These systems, which provide yellow and high light output, also have high energy efficiency. It is mostly preferred in general areas. Metal lamps with white light provide natural lighting. It is effective in observing the behavior of animals.

Barn lighting types are examined in three different ways according to the usage area. Each type of lighting has a different function as task lighting and general lighting. General lighting is mostly required in the arrival routes and resting areas of animals. Less light is needed here. Task lighting should be used in areas such as veterinary care areas, washing areas and milking houses. Medium level lighting is preferred for animal observation areas and feeding areas.

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The Effect of Barn Lighting on Animal Health
The effect of barn lighting on animal health has been directly observed. Using a correct lighting system increases productivity and welfare. The direct effects of barn lighting are shared below.

Development and Growth: When the right lighting is used for young animals and heifers, the growth rate increases. This means faster access to puberty. Future general health and milk yield are also positively affected.

Diseases Successful lighting allows the animals living in the barn to breathe properly. This improves indoor air quality and prevents respiratory diseases. Lighting systems have an important place in the early diagnosis of diseases as they facilitate the behavior and observation of animals.

Stress Adequate lighting in barns reduces the stress level of animals. Of course, stress can be the initial stage of many diseases. This also negatively affects productivity. A quality lighting system then improves overall welfare and allows animals to feel comfortable.

Reproduction and Fertility: Properly used light regulates the biological rhythm of animals. 8 hours of darkness and 16 hours of light increases fertility and shortens calving times. Farmers can also increase their profitability due to this situation.

Milk Yield: If there is enough light intensity in a barn, milk yield of dairy deaf will increase. In many studies, 150 to 200 lumens of light

The most important benefit of barn lighting is actually that it greatly reduces stress levels. First of all, light affects the production of melatonin in animals. This hormone regulates the animals' stress responses and improves the sleep-wake cycle. A successful lighting system can also regulate their daily rest and activity cycles. In this context, social interactions will increase and aggression and conflicts between animals will decrease. Thanks to barn lighting systems that reduce the risk of disease, regular social interaction will continue and long-term yields will continue to be obtained.

Recommendations for Barn Lighting
The best recommendation to share for barn lighting is LED barn lighting systems produced with high quality materials and compact designs. These systems have a low carbon footprint and can be used in all types of animal husbandry activities. LED barn lighting systems consisting of different luminaires draw attention with their unique reflector designs and support their usage areas with their 180-degree rotatable structure. Those who want to use the best light distribution in barns with the latest technologies can also realize long-term use while ensuring low energy consumption.

LED luminaires are resistant to ammonia, dust and moisture formation. While it is defined as an intelligent automatic lighting system for dairy cows, optional red control lighting is also available in some varieties.