Pig
Pig production can be improved by optimising the welfare needs of the animal while minimising running costs. Lighting intensity and spectral quality plays a significant role in control of a pig’s reproductive cycle and its overall growth and performance. The cost of production can be reduced through installation of a well-designed and efficient LED lighting system.
Pigs and Light
Pigs have a wide 310° angle of vision, and are dichromatic, having the ability to detect colours and shades. The retina of a pig contains two types of cones which are sensitive to blue and green-yellow light.
This is suited to the pig’s natural habitat where light filters through the leaves of a typical mature woodland canopy, filtering out the shortest and longest wavelengths at the extreme blue and red ends of the spectrum.
Under these natural conditions pigs are ‘crepuscular’ in behaviour, being active only in the lower light levels of early morning and late evening. Pigs' eyes are adapted to seeing best in these low light conditions, sensitive in the cooler spectral range of 415 -580 nm where blue, green, and yellow wavelengths predominate.
Pigs have a wide 310° angle of vision, and are dichromatic, having the ability to detect colours and shades. The retina of a pig contains two types of cones which are sensitive to blue and green-yellow light.
This is suited to the pig’s natural habitat where light filters through the leaves of a typical mature woodland canopy, filtering out the shortest and longest wavelengths at the extreme blue and red ends of the spectrum.
Under these natural conditions pigs are ‘crepuscular’ in behaviour, being active only in the lower light levels of early morning and late evening. Pigs eyes are adapted to seeing best in these low light conditions, sensitive in the cooler spectral range of 415 -580 nm where blue, green and yellow wavelengths predominate.
Most current lighting strategies in pig farming waste energy and are sub-optimal for the welfare of the livestock. Inefficient technology with inadequate spectral quality and other unsuitable characteristics means the light technology currently used in most production installations needs updating.
Incandescent and high intensity discharge lamps, the only option for pig farmers for decades, were energy inefficient, had a short lifespan, while their lack of control could never meet fully the industry needs.
Fluorescent tubes, the most widely used form of lighting in pig units, while more energy efficient, cheaper and longer lasting, nonetheless still wastes much of their energy as useless long wavelength light and heat, and are very expensive to control in terms of dimming.
There is also the potential of harm from mercury amalgam used in the manufacture of the fluorescent lamps. If damaged in situ there is a risk of mercury contamination of food and bedding.
The Biolumen Solution
AquaRay® uses the latest in LED technology to
deliver smooth spectrum light which is tailored to
suit the needs of both humans and livestock.
Using only branded LED components from the likes of Cree, Osram and Samsung, AquaRay® ensures a high quality, efficient light, backed up with a 3 year
guarantee on light units
AquaRay’s® patented NP technology provides a unique spectrum of light that is in tune with the biological needs of your livestock.
Combined with diurnal and seasonal lighting control, the specific spectrum helps to entrain the animals’ internal clocks, therefore regulating hormone production and improving wellbeing
The rugged housing is hand built in the UK using
ABS, acrylic and aluminum components.
It is shockproof and water-proof (independently tested to IP67) and the lights can withstand low temperatures and pressure washing Designed & Made in Br
With a 120° beam angle, the spread of light is even, and it is directed only where it needs to be.
The AquaRay® BioLumen Control offers programming of diurnal and seasonal lighting patterns based either on longitude and latitude, or by user set parameters.
It is easy to use, and through automatic timing and dimming, it allows accurate reproduction of natural lighting environments, reducing the risk of startling livestock and increasing productivity through better husbandry.
All AquaRay® lights are compatible with the MMS modular mounting system, which enables them to be mounted in almost any situation.
Case Studies
Agriculture
Finisher Case Study - UK Based Test Farm
Biolumen Series 500 lighting technology is shown to improve pig welfare by reducing vice and improving feeding. Ultimately an improvement in FCR results in a 14 month return on investment even before taking electricity savings into account.
Agriculture
Broiler Case Study - Lower Oakley Farm, Somerset
Biolumen Nature Perfect lighting technology is shown to improve bird welfare by reducing vice and improving feeding. Ultimately an improvement in FCR results in a 19 month return on investment even before taking electricity savings into account.
The broiler house was compared to an identical unit with traditional lighting in place.
Agriculture
Free Range Layer Hen Case Study - Rymer Farm, Suffolk
Biolumen lighting technology is shown to improve hen welfare by reducing instances of aggression and feather pecking. Improved egg mass was observed as well as a reduction in mortality.
House 1 was installed with Biolumen lighting and House 2 was installed with competitor’s induction LED system. The trial ran for a full batch (13 months).
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