Lighting for pig units
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The behaviour of the progenitor species of the pig and the anatomy and physiology of the porcine
eye suggest that the domesticated pig is best adapted for dim levels of natural light. This knowledge
can therefore be used to specify lighting for domesticated pigs kept either indoors or outdoors. In
general, English law is based on sound scientific evidence.
This report highlights a number of areas where research onto the effects of lighting on pigs is
insufficient for accurate conclusions to be drawn and where current knowledge is inconclusive or
contradictory. Due to developments in commercial pig production, information on seasonality in pigs
would be beneficial; if the pig is now photorefractory, then light regimes and hours of lighting could
be excessive or under used, wasting energy or providing a suboptimal environment. Whilst the
spatial acuity of pigs is poorer than humans, their ability to complete visually mediated biologically
relevant tasks under different illuminances needs to be established; in addition, other parameters of
lighting and their effects on pigs should also be examined.
View the executive summary here
Research Into Action 5 - Lighting for pig units