Everything you need to know about LEDs 

A text by Patrick Dupuis, Agronomist

Light- emitting diode (LED) is revolutionizing the lighting market. Economic, resistant, and durable, it meets the standard for farmers.

When the guidelines for an animal’s well being are followed, farm animals will produce more, especially when they are comfortable and treated with dignity. It’s with this mindset that lighting on farms becomes an important aspect.

Lighting for animal well-being

“Lighting is obviously a high priority for an animal’s well-being”, states Philippe Boucher, lighting specialist at Agridel. With milk producers, for example, it’s important to have more lighting than what animals are exposed to during the winter season. The optimisation of milk production is directly linked to sufficient lighting at ground level.” Other productions, such as pork and poultry, also require adequate lighting for a healthy return.

“When an animal doesn’t produce, usually it’s because we’re not meeting a specific need” says Philippe Boucher. Insufficient lighting can impact the ability to lay eggs. If a bird doesn’t lay, there’s a stress factor, confirming its needs aren’t being met.” The changes in daylight saving’s time, of seasons and temperatures must be considered when it comes to becoming a farmer and installing lighting.

Adapted lighting for poultry

Dimmable lighting is highly recommended, asserts Philippe Boucher, especially in poultry. Laying and game birds don’t require the same lighting as milking cows. The sensitive eyes of birds require a gradual progression of the light intensity from one area to the next.

“In poultry, we must avoid opening the light to its fullest intensity”, states Philippe Boucher. We must start at a 1% intensity and gradually work our way up to 100%, depending on the needs. The same applies when reducing the intensity. In light tight poultry dens, this gradual lighting replicates the natural cycle of sunrises and sunsets.”

The many advantages of LED

The specialist adds: “The sources of lighting are many and diverse, but the most used and efficient on farms is by far LEDs.” Therefore, we’re finding light-emitting diodes in many household items: flat screen televisions, liquid crystal screens, for example.

The primary advantages of LED are: energy efficient, low maintenance, shatter resistant and can be used in many types of animal breeding. Other advantages: light-emitting diodes are often sold at the same price, sometimes cheaper, than compact-fluorescents, attests Philippe Boucher. In the past five years, the price has dropped by more than 65%.

Also, Hydro Québec offers generous grant funding to farmers who wish to upgrade the lighting in their buildings to LEDs. Find out more today!

The Agridel light-emitting diodes are available at your local Groupe BMR store.

Source : "Everything you need to know about LEDs" Coopérateur. November-December 2019 : page 36.