Earlier this year researchers at Kansas State University proved that LED lights were better for storing beef, and now an Oklahoma State University study has revealed that they’re better for the live cow, too! Dairy cows under LED lights produced more milk than those lit by standard T8s. So mooooove over, fluorescent tubes!
That's no bull.
Dairy cows need to be relaxed in order for maximum milk production, so scientists believe that the LED lighting has a calming effect. They gauged this by measuring the cows’ somatic cells. High counts led to chronic mastitis, which makes for unhappy cows (and unhappy farmers). The cows got stressed out whenever the equipment around them experienced stray voltage – a common occurrence with high-frequency fluorescent tubes.
Farmers who install LED tube lights in their cowsheds will enjoy a quick return on their investment by using half the electricity and lasting ten times as long as fluorescent lights, as well as 6% higher milk production. Holy cow!
