Supplemental lighting stimulates growth and lactation in cattle.
Sixteen hours of light daily (114 to 207 lux) increased weight gains and milk yield 10 to 15% in Holstein cattle in comparison with cattle exposed to natural-length photoperiods (39 to 93 lux) of 9 to 12 hours. The weight gain was accomplished without increased consumption of feed. Manipulation of supplemental light may thus cause dramatic increases in food supplies from animals.
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000254:growth & development*; D005260:Female; D007774:Lactation; D008029:Lighting; D011247:Pregnancy; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors