Did you know that lighting can make a big difference to your cattle farm? In particular, more and more farmers are switching to LED bulbs. LEDs can offer numerous benefits to those working in cow husbandry -- here are just 3 reasons you should consider installing them.

LEDs Keep Cows Cool

Cattle are among the least heat-tolerant livestock you can farm, so it's important to keep yours cool in the high Australian heat. There are many ways to keep cows cool, including using frozen treats and fans, but one of the most efficient methods is to change your lighting. If, like many cattle farmers, you use halogen or incandescent bulbs for farming, it could be a good idea to switch to LEDs. The heat produced by lighting stacks up when you have a lot of it, and LED bulbs can generate the same amount of light at a far lower temperature. Using LEDs will allow you to light the area your cattle are in to a safe and comfortable level without overheating them.

LEDs Increase Milk Production

If you're rearing dairy cows, you could be losing money by using older types of lighting. Lighting has a significant affect on milk production; it can stop the pineal gland from producing melatonin, which encourages cows to eat more and produce more milk. In particular, research showed that a long photo period of 16 to 18 hours using LED bulbs increased milk production by 8% over the course of a year. Given that 8% more milk means 8% more profits, switching to LEDs makes financial sense.

LEDs Are More Efficient

On the topic of financial sense, LED is also one of the most efficient forms of lighting available. LED bulbs can be up to 4 times more energy efficient than incandescent and halogen bulbs. This means they use significantly less electricity, and, therefore, less money. They're also hardy, durable, and long-lasting, so you'll spend less money replacing bulbs. Switching to LEDs will free up money that can be better spent on feed and labour, increasing your milk profits even further. Even if you don't rear for milk, your cows still need lighting, so all cattle farmers will feel the benefit of LED bulbs.

If you'd like to switch to LED lighting for your cows, don't forget to call in a professional electrician to install them. Safety is crucial when it comes to animal husbandry, so it's important that you use a reputable electrical company to wire your lights up.