Most of you reading this post can likely relate to stress as it impacts everything we do – how we live, work, eat, sleep, and interact with our families, friends, and colleagues. Studies have shown that stress is a notable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and chronic psychosocial stress has been associated with the development of atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, and sudden cardiac death. We also recognize that stress reduction – through exercise, proper sleep and diet, meditation, etc. positively impacts us and our interactions with friends, loved ones, and colleagues.
Yet many people might not realize that stress also negatively affects farm animals, causing changes in the immune function and increased susceptibility to disease, and reduced fertility, among other effects.
Fortunately, just like with humans, stress reduction efforts can make a difference. The lighting recipes we offer at ONCE Animal Lighting by Signify help our customers reduce animal stress in every production stage, which also helps manage feed consumption and promote optimal animal behavior. These recipes, based on the latest LED technology and scientific research, enable the growing of strong and uniform broilers with reduced stress and controlled movement – resulting in fewer muscle abnormalities and improved bone strength.
A case in point is our DOME PRO Junglite, a lighting solution for broilers, pullets, and turkeys, which reflects years of R&D from academics and industry professionals; dozens of research collaborations with universities; and the analysis of thousands of peer-reviewed publications. A series of develpmental and trials we conducted at our internal research farm over 2.5 years found the DOME PRO Junglite:
- Encourages bird movement and feeding/drinking behaviors
- Establishes sound musculoskeletal systems
- Reduces aggressive bird activity, fear piling and physiological indicators of stress
- Improves Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and welfare, uniformity, and growth
While we’re very encouraged by these results, we continue collaborating with our research partners, studying published material, and conducting trials, not only for DOME PRO Junglite, but our other product offerings. If there’s one thing we’ve all learned about stress it’s that managing it requires an ongoing, dedicated effort.
I’m curious to hear how you and your respective companies are approaching reducing animal stress.
