Lighting
|
Aim to provide 16 hours of constant light in the
farrowing house, dry sow and service areas and gilt accommodation |
16 hours of light in the :
| Dry Sow House | helps maintain pregnancy |
| Service House |
reduces the weaning to service interval and increases the length
of time sows are on heat. |
| Farrowing House | increases weaning weights and milk yield. |
| Gilt House | reduces age at puberty and gilts and boars are more sexually active. |
Important Points
- The Light intensity should be such that a newspaper can be read in the darkest corner of the building.
- Light intensity can be affected by fly faeces and dust on the lamps. Dirt on bulbs can reduce light output by 25-30%.
- Fluorescent light is nearer to natural light than incandescent lights. Also fluorescent lighting uses less electricity than incandescent bulbs.
- The use of timers ensures a constant period of light.
