DairyLight

Typically achieves milk yield increases of between 8 – 11% with results independently verified by Alltech E-CO2

Payback usually 4-7 months

The only UK dairy lighting system to provide the optimum spectrum of light scientifically proven to influence melatonin production in dairy cattle

Breeding

Improves cow fertility

Shortens calving intervals

Improved heat showing

Better bulling

Well Being

Summer-light conditions all year-round benefitting coats and general wellbeing

Blue light has been shown to reduce fungal and bacterial load in the environment

The Science

Built-in Body Clocks

Research over the last decade has identified that specific light can affect and regulate the Circadian Rhythm and, in turn, Melatonin secretion and its effect on all mammals.

Often referred to as the "body clock," the Circadian Rhythm is the 24-hour cycle that tells our bodies when to sleep, rise, and eat - regulating many physiological processes.

Types of Light

DairyLight delivers an optimized spectrum of light, at the right intensity to have a maximum effect on the Circadian Rhythm of the cow by regulating the secretion of Melatonin, also known as the sleep hormone.

Blue light within the short-wavelength blue light spectrum (465–485 nm) is the most effective at inhibiting Melatonin secretion, as Melanopsin production, its precursor is particularly sensitive to short-wavelength, blue light.

Normal white LED or fluorescent lights do not deliver blue light at the level of intensity required to have any real effect on Melatonin suppression.

Achieving Reaction Requires:

1. The right spectrum of light

2. The right intensity of light

3. The right circadian rhythm of light and dark

The system works by exposing the dairy cattle to a specific level and spectrum of light for 16 – 18 hours. When installed according to our bespoke design, this specific level and spectrum of light is delivered by our unique DairyLights. Melatonin production is suppressed during this time and cow activity and efficiency is optimised. This is followed by a period of darkness (or near darkness) for 6 – 8 hours, during which time melatonin production is stimulated and the cows rest and recover.

Red Light Function

Red light does not inhibit Melatonin secretion and hence the Circadian Rhythm. The controller automatically switches the DairyLight to red during the ‘off’ phase, and thus will allow sufficient observational light at night without interfering with Melantonin secretion. This is useful for calving as well as late arrival home.

Duration Of Light Exposure - The Natural Circadian Rhythm

In the northern hemisphere the daylight hours vary greatly between the summer months and the winter. For example, in December we have 8 hours of daylight and 16 hours of darkness. March to September there is equal day and night (Equinox). June has the longest day (summer solstice).

The Physiology Of Melatonin Control Using Specific Blue Light With Correct Lux And Duration

Light enters through the retina of the eye and suppresses the release of melatonin from the pineal gland, thus allowing the resumption of hormones to be released from the hypothalamus of the brain.

Delivery Options

If you wish items delivered please contact our shops or our sales reps to organise a convenient time

Ayr: - 01292262341 shop@fullwoodhead.co.uk

Lochwinnoch - 01505 843000 lochwinnoch@fullwoodhead.co.uk

Robert Martin - 07801 793843 robert@fullwoodhead.co.uk

Gareth Johnstone - 07808 945934 garethjohnstone@fullwoodhead.co.uk

Stephen Moar - 07702 877393  stephenmoar@fullwoodhead.co.uk

Ask about: DairyLight (DairyLight)