How to use light exposure to improve milk production in cattleThe amount of light a cow is exposed to during a day is called the photoperiod, and it affects some of the hormones the cow produces: melatonin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and prolactin.
By manipulating this to our advantage, we can encourage increased milk production in our cattle.
Melatonin and IGF-1 influence the cow’s metabolism and the production of milk components. Prolactin has a direct effect on the udder, telling it to produce more milk.
Production can be manipulated by providing either a long or a short photoperiod. Different length photoperiods can be useful at different stages of production.
Long photoperiod for milking cows
A long photoperiod has 16 hours of light and eight hours of dark. This has a positive impact in lactating animals by boosting milk yields.
To achieve this, a level of 162-215 lux is required for periods of light; this should be even across all areas the cow has access to in this period.
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