Dairy Lighting Workshop Announced
SOUTH DAKOTA - The South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service will host a dairy workshop on 13 August to explain lighting techniques to increase profitability.
6 August 2008
2 minute read
The workshop will be held from 10:00 to 14:00 at the Global Dairy in Estelline, located one and one-quarter miles east of Estelline on state Highway 28.
South Dakota State University Extension Dairy Specialist Alvaro Garcia and Gunnar Josefsson, dairy specialist and direct of research with Orion Energy Systems' Agricultural Division, will speak at the workshop, explain research into photoperiodic dairy techniques.
The research has demonstrated a positive response when total daily hours of light were increased to a range of 16 to 18 hours.
The workshop will explain how long-day lighting (LDL) can increase profitability, in some cases as much as $100 to $150 net profit per cow annually. These increases typically come in a payback period of six to 18 months.
In addition, the workshop will include information on the use of a dim night light, which can save energy, provide enough darkness for cows on LDL, and enough light for workers. It also will include information on short day dry (SDD) management in enclosed barns.
The SDD technique may offer increased production and improved immune function. Other topics include LDL techniques for herds milking three times daily, optimizing productivity and energy conservation, along with information on the use of solar light pipes for parlors and enclosed barns.
For further details about the workshop, contact Alvaro Garcia [phone: (605) 688-5488]
Information on photoperiodic research and worksheets to evaluate light fixture design are located at this link to the University of Illinois.
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