Temperature and light are major environmental factors affecting animal physiology. Light exposure affects melatonin secretion, and an 8-hour photoperiod for animal welfare purposes is prescribed by a number of different government regulations. This means that lighting conditions in farming and agriculture facilities should be kept stable so as not to alter or disrupt the animals’ chrono-biological rhythms.
Livestock exposed to longer periods of light combined with a night light breed faster and milk more. Light source selection also plays an important role, as chickens raised under full-spectrum lighting have been found to live longer, lay more eggs, and be less aggressive than chickens raised under fluorescent lighting. Eggs may also be also larger and with stronger shells.
Another aspect to pay attention to is the chemical resistance of luminaires for the agriculture sector. Luminaires for use in the farming industry may be exposed to ammonia vapours and other harsh conditions, so it’s important to choose products with the right chemical resistance, as well as high IP and IK ratings to ensure durability and reliable performance.
Lighting requirements in EN 12464-1
Industrial activities and crafts – Agriculture
| Type of task / activity area |
Lux-level (Em) |
Glare rating (UGRL) |
Uniformity (U0) |
Colour rendition (Ra) |
Em,z | Em,wall | Em,ceiling | Specific requirements |
|
| required | modified | U0 ≥ 0,10 | |||||||
| Loading and operating of goods, handling equipment and machinery | 200 | 300 | 25 | 0,40 | 80 | 50 | 50 | - | |
| Buildings for livestock | 50 | 75 | - | 0,40 | 40 | - | - | - | |
| Sick animal pens: calving stalls | 200 | - | 25 | 0,60 | 80 | 50 | 50 | - | |
| Feed preparation: dairy: utensil washing | 200 | - | 25 | 0,60 | 80 | 50 | 50 | - | |