Effects of Light Cycle and Light Intensity on Sows
1. Appropriate light cycle and light intensity affect the reproductive performance of sows
A reasonable light cycle can speed up the growth and development of sows, improve the physique of piglets, improve the reproductive performance of sows, and improve the efficiency of the farm; appropriate light intensity will also affect the early arrival of sows' sexual maturity.
Studies have shown that appropriate light intensity can stimulate the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis of sows, promote the secretion of gonad hormones such as luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin and estrogen, and maintain the development of the reproductive tract of sows; Experiments have shown that when the light intensity is increased from 6~8 lux to 70~100 lux, the litter size of sows will increase by 4.5%~8.5%, the birth litter weight will increase by 4.5%~16.7%, and the weaning litter weight will increase to 5.1%~ 12.2%. Light intensity was increased to 150 lux to increase farrowing and milk production. Shorter light periods or lower light intensity or continuous darkness will delay the sexual development of gilts, reduce ovary weight and function, and reduce the rate of insemination and conception; increasing light intensity can significantly increase litter size.
2. The effect of light cycle and light intensity on pregnant sows
Appropriate light cycle stimulates the center of the sow, makes the sow sexual desire and excitement, appears in estrus, and promotes the follicle maturation and ovulation of the sow; Properly extend the light cycle for sows before mating or during pregnancy (recommended 8-10 hours / day), light intensity (recommended 100-150/lux), promote the secretion of estradiol and progesterone, can increase the secretion of sex hormones, enhance the function of the ovary and uterus, thereby improving the rate of breeding and conception, which is conducive to the attachment of embryos and development, reducing the number of embryonic deaths during pregnancy and increasing litter size.
3. Effects of light cycle and light intensity on lactating sows
We know that prolactin is an important hormone that promotes milk secretion, and the amount of prolactin secretion determines the increase or decrease of sow milk production. The effect of light on lactating sows is mainly manifested in the secretion of milk production. Properly extending the light time (recommended 10-12 hours/day) and increasing the light intensity (recommended 80-100lux) for lactating sows can stimulate the lactating sows to secrete prolactin and provide sufficient milk to the piglets, thereby increasing the birth weight of the piglets and weaning litter weight, further enhance the vitality of piglets and improve the survival rate of piglets. As shown in the results of the gilt pen experiment (ternary sow black pigs, all first parity): the birth rate is 11.33 (136/12), which is higher than the industry data of 10.45; the survival rate is 92.65%, which is higher than the industry average data of 86.75%.
Based on the influence of light cycle and light intensity on sows, Fullerwort has also specially developed an intelligent control system that integrates dimming and timing. With the use of Fullerwort smart dimming lamps, 0.2%-100 flicker-free dimming technology, which can provide different light intensities of 0-200 lux to meet the different requirements of light intensity and light cycle in different growth and physiological stages; at the same time, the Flottwor intelligent control system can set the required lighting according to the needs of different growth and physiological stages. It needs a reasonable light cycle and realizes automatic and intelligent operation around the clock.
Benwei Lighting is an LED Tube, LED flood light, LED Panel Light, LED High Bay, LED manufacturer with 12 years of experience. If you want to purchase a high-quality LED flood light or have a more in-depth understanding of the application of LED flood lights, please contact send us inquiry， our web: 
https://www.benweilight.com/.
