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Calf Lighting in Winter – 200 Lux for 16 Hours Boosts Growth | RN Solutions
- 31 Oct, 2025
- News and Press Coverage , Blog
Effective lighting in the calf barn increases activity, improves feed intake and builds a stronger foundation for calves' growth – even in winter's darkest months.
Contact usCalves in the Dark Season – How to Stimulate Growth and Development with Correct Lighting
During the winter half of the year, the natural light level in the barn drops significantly, which affects the calves' behavior and development. With the right lighting, however, you can compensate and ensure optimal conditions for growth, activity and welfare – even in the darkest months of the year.
Light affects more than you think
For calves and young stock, light is an important biological factor. It regulates the circadian rhythm and has a direct effect on activity level and feed intake. When light is managed strategically, it can boost both weight gain and a stronger immune system.
Especially in the first months of an animal's life, it's crucial that the surroundings support stable development. A lack of light can lead to reduced movement, lower feed intake and a generally weaker start – with consequences all the way through to first calving.
RN Solutions recommends: 200 lux for 16 hours
At RN Solutions, we recommend a targeted light level of 200 lux for 16 hours daily in the calf barn. This is a practical and well-documented level that creates a balance between biological stimulation and calm in the barn.
immune systemwith targeted lighting control in the first months
200 lux is enough to activate the calf's vision and stimulate behavior without overstimulating. At the same time, 16 hours of light ensures a "long day photoperiod," which helps maintain high activity, better appetite and more uniform growth – even in the winter months.
With correct lighting, light becomes more than just a technical installation – it becomes an active management tool.
That's why lighting makes a difference
Calves kept in sufficient and stable light are generally more active, eat more often and grow better. This results in:
- Better feed utilization
- Stronger, more robust calves
- Fewer cases of illness
- Easier care and more uniform groups
In short: a better starting point for further development and a stronger future cow.
Contact us, and get a concrete assessment of the lighting conditions in your calf barn.
How to get started with calf lighting
RN Solutions offers advice and complete solutions, so you get the full benefit of your investment in barn lighting.
Assessment of lighting conditions
We start with an assessment of the current lighting conditions in your calf barn.
Concrete recommendation
We provide a concrete recommendation for fixture type, placement and control.
Installation and setup
The solution is installed and configured correctly for your specific barn.
Follow-up
We follow up to make sure you achieve the desired effect on growth and welfare.
