Lighting & Environmental Controls Category Guide

What Are Lighting & Environmental Controls?

Lighting and environmental controls include all systems that manage the barn environment—LED lighting for photoperiod management, ventilation fans, cooling systems (soakers, misters, evaporative cooling), heating for calf areas, and automated controls that manage these systems.

Why Environment Matters

Dairy cows are sensitive to heat stress, and research clearly shows that photoperiod affects milk production and reproductive performance. Managing the barn environment through lighting and cooling improves cow comfort, health, and productivity.

Key Benefits

• Heat stress reduction: Cooling maintains intake and production
• Photoperiod response: Long-day lighting boosts milk production
• Air quality: Ventilation removes moisture and gases
• Worker comfort: Better environment for people too

Lighting Systems

Long-Day Lighting

16-18 hours of light per day increases milk production by 5-10%. LED systems are energy-efficient and long-lasting. Light intensity of 15-20 foot-candles at cow level is recommended.

Short-Day for Dry Cows

8 hours light / 16 hours dark for dry cows may improve subsequent lactation. Requires separate housing from milking herd.

Cooling Systems

High-Volume Low-Speed Fans

Large ceiling fans that move air at cow level, increasing convective cooling.

Tunnel Ventilation

Fans at one end draw air through the barn. Creates consistent air speed for cooling.

Soakers/Sprinklers

Wet cows before fan drying for evaporative cooling. Most effective cooling method in humid climates.

Misters/Evaporative Cooling

Add moisture to air to reduce temperature. More effective in dry climates.

Control Systems

• Thermostats: Activate cooling based on temperature
• Timers: Control lighting schedules
• Integrated controllers: Coordinate multiple systems
• Weather stations: Respond to ambient conditions

Do You Need Environmental Improvements?

Consider improvements if:

• Summer production drops significantly
• Cows show heat stress signs (panting, bunching)
• Lighting is inadequate or uncontrolled
• Air quality (ammonia, humidity) is poor
• Energy costs for current systems are excessive

Cost Considerations

LED lighting upgrades cost $50-100 per cow space. HVLS fans cost $5,000-15,000 each. Soaker systems cost $50-100 per cow. Controllers vary widely. ROI comes from maintained summer production, improved reproduction, and energy savings from efficient systems.