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Illuminating Growth: How Gradient Lighting Benefits Broilers

Written by T van Nierop | Jun 6, 2024 5:30:00 AM

Dive into the innovative world of poultry farming, where gradient lighting is revolutionizing broiler health, behavior, and growth. Discover how SYLVA by HATO is leading the charge.

The Science Behind Gradient Lighting and Broiler Behavior

Recent studies done in the US, have shed light on the impact of lighting conditions on broiler chickens. These studies reveal that varying light intensities are not merely a matter of visual aesthetics but play a critical role in promoting natural behavior in poultry. Gradient lighting, which involves a range of light intensities, encourages broilers to be more active, thereby enhancing their health and welfare. This approach mimics the dynamic lighting found in their natural environment, leading to more vigorous and healthy broilers.

Improving Broiler Health and Welfare with SYLVA Lighting

The introduction of SYLVA by HATO is a game-changer in the realm of poultry farming. Drawing from new research insights, SYLVA is engineered to provide gradient lighting that improves the living conditions of broilers. This innovative lighting solution not only encourages behaviors like dustbathing and foraging but also directly impacts the broilers' health. With SYLVA, poultry farmers can expect to see a significant enhancement in the uniformity of growth rates and overall vitality of their flock.

Moreover, SYLVA's design is a testament to HATO's commitment to animal welfare. The low-energy consumption of 1.2W epitomizes efficiency, while its installation on the feeding line ensures optimal light distribution.

This strategic placement complements the natural behaviors of broilers, leading to a healthier, stress-free environment conducive to growth. The benefits of SYLVA include:

  • Increased Activity: Variable lighting motivated broilers to move more and engage in natural behaviors like dust bathing, significantly increasing daily activity (source).

  • Reduced Health Issues: The number of birds culled due to leg problems dropped nearly 30% with variable lighting compared to constant lighting.

  • Better Growth Metrics: The birds in variable lighting conditions showed higher daily weight gains and an improved feed-conversion ratio by about 2.2%.

These improvements highlight the effectiveness of SYLVA in promoting a more natural and healthy poultry environment, marking a significant step forward in responsible and profitable animal farming.

Enhancing Growth Rates and Efficiency in Poultry Farming

The implications of SYLVA's gradient lighting extend beyond the well-being of broilers; it also brings about a marked improvement in growth rates. By stimulating a more natural and active lifestyle, broilers are observed to have better leg health and require less feed to gain weight. This translates to a cost-effective solution for farmers, as healthier broilers grow more efficiently, reducing the overall time to market. The deployment of SYLVA lighting technology is a strategic investment that can lead to a sustainable increase in farm productivity and profitability.

Additionally, the 50,000+ hours of operation guaranteed by SYLVA's robust design makes it a long-term solution for modern poultry farms, promising a future where farm efficiency and animal welfare go hand in hand.

SYLVA: A Sustainable Solution for Modern Poultry Farms

Sustainability is a critical concern in the agricultural industry, and HATO's SYLVA lighting system addresses this head-on. By integrating 50 years of expertise into a product that boasts exceptional energy efficiency, HATO sets a precedent for eco-friendly innovation. The low power requirement of SYLVA not only reduces the carbon footprint of poultry farms but also slashes energy costs, making it an attractive proposition for environmentally conscious farmers.

The commitment to quality and fair pricing, coupled with the promise of durability and safety, positions SYLVA as a leading choice for farmers looking to adapt to the evolving demands of sustainable farming practices. Additional benefits of the SYLVA lighting system include:

  • Improved Litter Quality: Areas under variable lighting maintained drier and better-quality litter, enhancing overall farm hygiene

  • Energy Efficiency: Unlike traditional main lighting, SYLVA consumes up to 70% less energy*, further solidifying its role in sustainable agricultural practices.

These advancements underscore SYLVA's role in not just meeting but exceeding the sustainability standards in modern poultry farming.

Adopting Gradient Lighting: Steps for Poultry Farmers

For poultry farmers ready to embrace the benefits of gradient lighting, the adoption process involves a few strategic steps. Initially, it is crucial to understand the specific lighting requirements of their broiler breed and housing conditions. HATO's plug-and-play system simplifies the installation process, making SYLVA accessible to a wide range of poultry operations. Farmers should also consider the appropriate positioning of the lights to ensure maximum coverage and effect.

Ongoing monitoring and adjustments are essential to optimize the lighting for the best results. Farmers can look forward to a more active and evenly distributed flock, leading to improved health and faster growth. By adopting SYLVA, poultry farmers join a movement that prioritizes animal welfare, farm efficiency, and sustainability.