Preferences of Dairy Cattle for Supplemental Light-Emitting Diode Lighting in the Resting Area

Abstract

Light from the environment is important for vision and regulating various biological processes. Providing supplemental lighting in the stall area could allow for individually targeted or group-level control of light. This study aimed to determine whether dairy cattle had preferences for short-term exposure to white (full-spectrum) light-emitting diode (LED) light or no LED light, yellow-green or white LED light, and blue or white LED light in the stall area. In total, 14 lactating cows were housed in a free-stall pen with unrestricted access to 28 stalls. LED light was controlled separately for each side of the stall platform. Two combinations of light were tested per week, and each week consisted of three adaptation days and four treatment days. Lying behaviour and video data were recorded continuously using leg-mounted pedometers and cameras, respectively. Preference was assessed by the amount of time spent lying and the number of bouts under each light treatment. No differences occurred between treatments within each week for daily lying time and number of bouts. Similarly, no differences occurred between treatments within each time period. Further controlled studies of long-term exposure to different LED wavelengths and intensities are required to determine potential benefits on metabolic processes.

Effect of Light on Dairy Cattle in Farm Conditions – A Review

“…As discussed in earlier chapters, barn lighting strongly affects dairy cattle through its hormonal, behavioural, and reproductive stimulation (Wilson et al, 2022). To maximise benefits, a tiered lighting systemcomprising working, orientation, and night lightsis recommended (DAAC, 2002).…”

“…Yet, they advocated for more research before extensively adopting LEDs in animal housing. Wilson et al (2022) explored LED wavelengths (full-spectrum, yellow-green, blue) concerning cow behaviour. Their observations revealed that the use of LED lighting in the stall area, short term, is not avoided by cows.…”

Tactile, Auditory, and Visual Stimulation as Sensory Enrichment for Dairy Cattle

“…Although no effects on cortisol and lactate were observed, the authors concluded that low-cost EE could facilitate management. On the other hand, providing a supplemental lighting system with three different colors (white, yellow-green, or blue) to Holstein cows while lying down is another field where EE might have benefits [83]. In Wilson et al's [83] study, the three different lighting colors did not affect lying time (white and no supplementation: 6.5 ± 0.71 h/d; white and yellow-green: 6.0 ± 0.61 h/d; and white and blue: 6.2 ± 0.58 h/d) with an average of 4.5-4.8 bouts/d.…”

“…On the other hand, providing a supplemental lighting system with three different colors (white, yellow-green, or blue) to Holstein cows while lying down is another field where EE might have benefits [83]. In Wilson et al's [83] study, the three different lighting colors did not affect lying time (white and no supplementation: 6.5 ± 0.71 h/d; white and yellow-green: 6.0 ± 0.61 h/d; and white and blue: 6.2 ± 0.58 h/d) with an average of 4.5-4.8 bouts/d. These results suggest that cows do not avoid LED light but that evaluating other parameters should be addressed.…”

Progress in Research on Key Factors Regulating Lactation Initiation in the Mammary Glands of Dairy Cows

“…In addition to physiological factors such as self-hormones, proteases, and cytokines, pathological and environmental factors, such as photoperiod [ 45 ], nutrition level [ 46 ], heat stress [ 47 ], and oxidative stress [ 48 ], also affect mammary remodeling during dry lactation [ 49 ]. The length of the dry milk photoperiod influences mammary remodeling and its subsequent lactation cycle.…”