Light recipes designed for animals
Animals are highly photosensitive and rely on the lighting to understand their surroundings. At ONCE, our lighting systems have been set up to run light recipes based on the needs of each animal. You can manage your facility with the Interact Agriculture App and help to improve the welfare of your animals.
Light recipes for every type of animal
Light recipes capture all the elements of lighting that benefits animals (spectrum, schedule, and intensity). They are the results of many research and field experiences. Our light recipes stimulate bird activity in a controlled way, giving you optimal control over your production results.
Light recipes for broilers
Broilers require different lighting conditions as they age. When they are young and brooding, they need bright and full spectrum light to locate feed and water sources and understand their environment. As they age, they need less intense light, and blue/green light spectrums to promote growth and reduce stress.
Junglite for Broilers
The Junglite light recipe on broilers has been found to:
- Increase Feed converstion rate to 3.008 (FCR) from white LEDs
- Improve the European Broiler Index by 9.81 points
- Lower physiological indicators of stress (lower Heterophyl: Lymphocyte ratios and lactate levels)
(These findings are from 47 commercial trials tested worldwide to date, 2024)
Science behind Junglite
- Rozenboim et al. (2004) reported green light accelerated muscle growth and stimulated growth in broilers at an early age ,while blue light stimulated growth in older birds.
- In other studies, blue/green light promoted muscle growth resulting in increased growth and performance (Cao et al., 2008). Blue light also has a compelling effect on bird behavioral responses and physiology.
- Mohamed et al. (2014) observed that broilers reared under blue light had reduced behavioral fear responses and lower physiological indicators of stress compared to broilers reared under white light.
With the Junglite recipe
The NatureDynamics override function can be combined to manage bird behavior during bird handling situations. For example, the monochromatic blue light can be applied as a recipe override to keep birds calm and reduce bird movement during pre-harvest catching.
Altogether, the Junglite recipe improves production and welfare, representing clear wins for the producer and the birds!
Light Recipes for layers
Redlite spectrum creates a dynamic, red-enhanced light spectrum ensuring adequate red-light exposure at every intensity setpoint.
By using red-enhanced light spectrum in layers, your hens will have ensured daily circadian entrainment, improved egg laying behaviors, and simulation of sunrise and sunset. When using the red-enhanced Redlite recipe in aviary systems, it is best paired with bright cool under-system lights to create nesting zones for hens to lay in the system nests.
Redlite for Layers
Benefits to the monochromatic red and blue light include:
- Decreased feather picking and cannabalistic behaviors (by masking existing wounds on white and brown feathers)
- Reduced bird activity and stress during extensive handling (including vaccinations and bird catching)
The science of red-enhanced light
Baxter et al. (2014) concluded red light is required to stimulate the reproductive axis, and that the effects of red light do not require a functional retina – meaning photostimulation occurs through stimulation of photoreceptors located in the brain!
Other studies have concluded that exposing birds to red light resulted in better early laying performance (Huber-Eicher et al., 2013; Grongruttananun and Guntapa, 2012), and reduced physiological indicators of stress (Archer, 2019).
Light recipes for Pullets
The pullet phase is a critical stage of life for both layer and breeder hens. Creating the optimal lighting environment sets up the birds’ body for future success in the laying stage through proper growth, flock uniformity, and improved animal welfare.
During brooding, pullets must start feeding and gaining a sound musculoskeletal system through exploration and activity. As pullets begin to mature, the light spectrum simulates winter, where the flock continues to uniformly grow until they are ready for photostimulation.
Junglite for Pullets
The Junglite recipe for pullets will:
- Encourage movement and exploration
- Improve bird welfare
- Lower physiolocigal indicators of stress (lower Heterophyl: Lymphocyte ratios and lactate levels)
With the Junglite recipe
The NatureDynamics override function can be combined to manage bird behavior during bird handling situations. For example, the monochromatic blue light can be applied as a recipe override to keep birds calm and reduce bird movement during pre-harvest catching.
WATCH THE LIGHT RECIPES IN ACTION
Questions?
Our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality products and services, and we believe that answering your questions is an important part of achieving that goal.
Whether you're curious about the technical specifications of our lighting solution or you need guidance on how to integrate it into your existing setup, we are here to help. Don't hesitate to reach out to us - we are always happy to assist you in any way we can.