Comparison of milk production and endocrine profiles of dairy cows exposed to either white light-emitting diode or induction lighting

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Agricultural Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• White light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) have high blue light intensity.
• Induction lighting (IL) emits lower levels of blue light.
• Lighting conditions can influence animal physiology and productivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of WLED and IL exposure on milk production in dairy cows.
• To assess the impact of different lighting types on physiological responses in dairy cows.

Main Methods:

• Nine lactating Holstein cows were subjected to a 2x2 crossover design over 3 weeks.
• Cows were exposed to either WLED (443 nm peak) or IL (529 nm peak) under a 16:8h light-dark cycle.
• Milk yield, composition, dry matter intake, body weight, and blood samples were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Milk yield, composition, dry matter intake, and body weight did not differ significantly between WLED and IL treatments.
• Plasma non-esterified fatty acids tended to be higher under WLED (P = 0.09).
• Plasma melatonin and cortisol concentrations were significantly higher under WLED compared to IL (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Wavelength differences between WLED and IL affect melatonin and cortisol secretion in dairy cows.
• Lighting type may influence lipid metabolism, indicated by non-esterified fatty acid levels.
• Neither WLED nor IL significantly altered milk production performance in this study.