# Feedlot Lighting for Cattle Behavior and Performance ## Key Takeaways - **Photoperiodic Influence:** Cattle exhibit a biological response to day length, with extended light periods (16-18 hours) potentially increasing feed intake and average daily gain by 5-10% through altered feeding patterns and hormonal regulation, specifically by suppressing melatonin production. - **Optimal Light Intensity:** Achieving 150 to 200 lux at the feed bunk and pen surface is critical for eliciting a photoperiodic response; higher intensities offer no additional benefit, and consistent coverage is more important than overall brightness. - **Essential Dark Period:** A consistent 6 to 8 hour dark period is crucial for cattle rest, rumination, and maintaining normal circadian rhythms; continuous 24-hour lighting can disrupt growth hormone cycles and is counterproductive. - **Strategic Placement and Type:** LED fixtures are recommended for their energy efficiency and longevity, and placement should prioritize the bunk line and water areas to minimize shadows and ensure uniform light exposure across the pen. - **Monitoring and Consistency:** Implementing a consistent daily lighting schedule (e.g., 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and monitoring feed intake, average daily gain, and behavioral changes are essential for validating the effectiveness of the lighting program. --- Light is one of the most overlooked management tools in a feedlot operation. Producers spend considerable time and money on nutrition, health programs, and pen maintenance, yet the lighting program often gets little more than a passing thought. That is a missed opportunity. Research and on-farm experience show that cattle photoperiod, or the daily cycle of light and darkness, influences feeding behavior, rest patterns, and growth performance. This guide explains how feedlot lighting affects cattle behavior and performance, how to design a practical lighting program, and how to monitor results. It is written for feedlot owners, managers, and crew leads who want to make informed decisions about their facilities without overcomplicating the process. ## At a Glance | Factor | Practical Takeaway | |---|---| | Photoperiod | Cattle are sensitive to day length. Longer days can increase feed intake and growth rate. | | Light Intensity | Aim for 150 to 200 lux at the feed bunk and pen surface. More is not always better. | | Duration | A target of 16 to 18 hours of light followed by 6 to 8 hours of darkness works well for many operations. | | Consistency | Keep the on and off times the same every day. Cattle adapt to a predictable schedule. | | Dark Period | Do not light pens 24 hours a day. Cattle need a dark period for rest and normal behavior. | | Light Type | LED fixtures last longer and use less energy than metal halide or incandescent bulbs. | | Placement | Mount lights to cover the bunk line and water areas first. Shadows reduce the benefit. | | Cost | Lighting upgrades often pay for themselves in under two years through improved gain and lower energy use. | | Monitoring | Track feed intake, average daily gain, and behavior changes after any lighting change. | ## Why Cattle Photoperiod Matters Cattle, like most mammals, have internal biological clocks that respond to light. These clocks regulate daily rhythms in hormone production, feeding behavior, and activity. The most important hormone in this system is melatonin. The pineal gland in the brain produces melatonin during darkness and suppresses production when light hits the eye. Melatonin acts as the chemical signal for night, and its daily rhythm helps coordinate many body functions. When cattle experience longer periods of light, the melatonin signal shortens. This change influences other hormones, including those involved in growth and metabolism. Research on cattle photoperiod has shown that longer day length, around 16 hours of light, can increase average daily gain in growing cattle. The effect is not huge, often in the range of 5 to 10 percent, but it is consistent enough to matter on a commercial scale. For a pen of cattle gaining 3.5 pounds per day, a 7 percent improvement adds roughly a quarter pound per head per day. Over a 120 day feeding period, that is about 30 pounds of additional gain per animal. The mechanism is not fully understood, but the evidence points to changes in feed intake and efficiency. Cattle exposed to longer photoperiods tend to eat more meals spread across the day. They also show altered patterns of rest and rumination. Some studies suggest that growth hormone secretion increases with longer day length, which supports lean tissue deposition. The practical result is that a well designed feedlot light program can influence cattle behavior and performance in measurable ways. It is important to understand that cattle photoperiod effects are not the same as simply leaving lights on all the time. Constant light can disrupt normal behavior and may reduce the benefit. Cattle need a period of darkness to rest, ruminate, and maintain normal circadian rhythms. The goal is to extend the perceived day length, not to eliminate night. ## The Difference Between Light for Vision and Light for Performance Feedlots often install lighting for practical reasons. Crews need to see cattle during early morning and evening checks. Veterinarians need light for processing and treatment. Security cameras need illumination. These are all legitimate needs, but they are not the same as lighting for cattle performance. Vision lighting is about human convenience. It needs to be bright enough for people to work safely and see what they are doing. Performance lighting is about cattle biology. It needs to provide enough intensity and duration to influence the cattle photoperiod response. The two can overlap, but they are not identical. A common mistake is to install minimal lighting that is just bright enough for human work and assume it will also improve cattle performance. In many cases, the light intensity at the pen surface is far below what cattle need to register a photoperiod response. Cattle eyes are adapted to outdoor conditions, and they need a certain threshold of light to suppress melatonin production. Dim security lights or distant pole lights may not reach that threshold. Another mistake is to light only the feed alley and leave the rest of the pen dark. Cattle spend time at the bunk, but they also rest and interact in other parts of the pen. A lighting program that only covers a narrow strip may not provide enough exposure for all animals. Shy or subordinate cattle may avoid the lit area, further reducing the benefit. The best approach is to design a lighting system that serves both purposes. Provide enough light for human work and enough coverage for cattle exposure. This usually means higher intensity than typical security lighting and placement that covers the bunk line and loafing areas. ## Light Intensity Requirements Light intensity is measured in lux, which is the amount of light falling on a surface. For cattle photoperiod response, most recommendations fall in the range of 150 to 200 lux at the animal eye level. To put that in perspective, a typical office is around 300 to 500 lux. A dimly lit hallway might be 50 to 100 lux. A full moon provides about 1 lux. The 150 to 200 lux target is based on research that measured melatonin suppression in cattle. Below this range, the response is reduced or inconsistent. Above this range, there is little additional benefit. More light is not better once the threshold is reached. This means a producer does not need stadium style lighting to get a performance response. They need consistent, adequate coverage across the pen. Measuring light intensity is straightforward. A handheld lux meter costs less than 50 dollars and can be used to map the light levels across a pen. Take readings at several points along the bunk line, in the loafing area, and near the water source. Measure at the height of a standing animal's head, roughly 4 to 5 feet off the ground. This gives a realistic picture of what cattle actually experience. If light levels are below 150 lux in the main activity areas, the system needs adjustment. This might mean adding fixtures, moving existing fixtures, or cleaning dirty lenses. Dust and grime on light fixtures can reduce output by 20 to 30 percent over time. Regular cleaning is a simple way to maintain performance. ## Light Duration and the 16 to 18 Hour Target The duration of light exposure is the second critical factor in a feedlot light program. Research on cattle photoperiod has consistently used a pattern of 16 to 18 hours of light followed by 6 to 8 hours of darkness. This mimics the longest day of the year in many northern latitudes and appears to trigger the growth response. The key is to provide a continuous block of light, not intermittent lighting. Cattle need a clear signal. If lights flicker on and off, or if the schedule changes frequently, the biological response is blunted. A consistent daily schedule is more important than the exact number of hours. For practical purposes, most feedlots run lights from early morning until late evening. A common schedule is lights on at 5 or 6 a.m. and lights off at 10 or 11 p.m. This provides 16 to 18 hours of light and 6 to 8 hours of darkness. The schedule can be adjusted to fit the operation's feeding and processing routines, but it should stay consistent once set. One question producers often ask is whether natural daylight counts toward the photoperiod. The answer is yes. During summer months, natural day length may already reach or exceed 16 hours in many regions. In that case, supplemental lighting may not add much benefit. The advantage of a lighting program is greatest during fall and winter when natural day length is short. Extending the perceived day length from 9 or 10 hours to 16 hours can produce a measurable response. This seasonal pattern means the lighting program may have its largest impact on cattle fed during the darker months. Cattle placed on feed in late fall and marketed in spring are the most likely to benefit from supplemental lighting. Summer fed cattle may show less response simply because they already have adequate day length. ## Darkness Is Part of the Program A feedlot light program is not just about adding light. It is about creating a predictable cycle of light and dark. The dark period is as important as the light period. Cattle need darkness to rest, ruminate, and maintain normal behavior patterns. Continuous lighting, 24 hours a day, can be counterproductive. Some research suggests that constant light may disrupt growth hormone rhythms and reduce the benefit of extended photoperiod. Cattle also need a period of low activity to lie down and ruminate. A dark period encourages this natural behavior. The dark period does not need to be total darkness. Security lighting or distant lights that provide minimal illumination are usually fine. The goal is to avoid bright light over the pens during the dark phase. If security concerns require some lighting, use motion activated lights or low intensity fixtures that do not create a prolonged bright period. It is also worth noting that cattle adapt to a consistent schedule. If lights go off at the same time every night, cattle learn the pattern. They begin to settle and rest before the lights actually turn off. This predictability reduces stress and supports normal behavior. ## How Light Affects Feeding Behavior One of the most visible effects of a feedlot light program is a change in feeding behavior. Cattle on an extended photoperiod tend to distribute their feeding activity across more of the day. Instead of concentrating meals around dawn and dusk, they eat smaller meals throughout the lighted period. This change has practical benefits. More frequent feeding activity can reduce competition at the bunk. Cattle that are shy or low in the social hierarchy have more opportunities to eat without being pushed away by [dominant](/blog/careers/dominant-definition-biology) animals. This can improve uniformity within a pen. Extended photoperiod also tends to increase total daily feed intake. Cattle eat more meals, and the total amount consumed goes up. This is the primary driver of improved average daily gain. More intake supports more growth, assuming the ration is balanced and the rumen can handle the additional load. Producers should watch for this increase in intake when they start a lighting program. The bunk management may need adjustment. Cattle may clean up their feed more quickly, or they may expect feed deliveries on a different schedule. Some operations find that they need to increase the frequency of feed deliveries or adjust the amount delivered per feeding to match the new intake pattern. It is important to monitor intake changes carefully. A sudden increase in intake can lead to digestive upset if the cattle are not adapted. Start the lighting program and observe intake for several days. If intake rises sharply, consider adjusting the ration or the delivery schedule to keep cattle comfortable. ## Rest and Rumination Patterns Cattle on an extended photoperiod also show changes in rest and rumination behavior. With a consistent dark period, cattle tend to lie down and ruminate more during the dark hours. This is a natural pattern and supports rumen health. Rumination is critical for cattle health and performance. It breaks down feed particles, supports saliva production, and maintains a healthy rumen environment. Cattle need time to ruminate, and a predictable dark period encourages this behavior. Producers may notice that cattle lie down more readily when the lights go off. They may also see more synchronized rest periods, where most of the pen lies down at the same time. This is a sign of a comfortable, low stress environment. If cattle are restless during the dark period, it may indicate a problem. Possible causes include inadequate bunk space, uncomfortable bedding, heat stress, or health issues. Restlessness can also occur if the lighting schedule is inconsistent or if bright lights come on unexpectedly during the night. A well designed lighting program should support calm, predictable behavior. If cattle are not settling down at night, review the lighting schedule and look for other sources of disturbance. ## Step by Step Guide to Implementing a Feedlot Light Program Implementing a feedlot light program does not require a major construction project. Most operations can make meaningful changes with a moderate investment in fixtures and controls. Follow these steps to design and install an effective system. ### Step 1: Assess Current Lighting Walk through the feedlot at night and map the current lighting. Note where fixtures are located, what type they are, and how much area they cover. Take lux readings at the bunk line, water sources, and loafing areas. Record the current schedule, including when lights turn on and off. This assessment provides a baseline. It shows where light levels are adequate and where they fall short. It also reveals any dark spots or shadowed areas that may affect cattle behavior. ### Step 2: Define the Target Schedule Decide on the daily light and dark periods. A schedule of 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness is a reasonable starting point. Adjust the times to fit the operation's routine, but keep them consistent. For most feedlots, a schedule of lights on at 5 a.m. and off at 9 p.m. works well. This covers the early morning feeding and the evening feeding. It also provides a long dark period for rest. During summer, the natural daylight may extend beyond the artificial schedule, which is fine. ### Step 3: Select the Right Fixtures Choose fixtures that provide adequate intensity with good energy efficiency. LED fixtures are the best choice for most operations. They use less electricity than metal halide or incandescent bulbs, last longer, and produce consistent light output over their lifespan. Look for fixtures with a color temperature in the range of 4000 to 5000 Kelvin. This produces a bright, white light that is close to natural daylight. Warmer color temperatures, around 2700 to 3000 Kelvin, produce a yellower light that may be less effective for photoperiod response. Consider the beam spread of the fixtures. Wide beam spreads cover more area but may not reach the intensity target. Narrow beam spreads concentrate light but create more shadows. A combination of fixture types may be needed to cover the pen evenly. ### Step 4: Determine Fixture Placement Mount fixtures to cover the areas where cattle spend the most time. The bunk line is the first priority. Cattle eat several times a day, and the bunk area is where they gather. Light the full length of the bunk line with adequate intensity. Water sources are the second priority. Cattle drink multiple times a day, and they need to see the water source clearly. A dark corner around the water tank can discourage drinking, which reduces intake. The loafing area, where cattle rest and socialize, is the third priority. This area may be harder to light evenly, but it is important for cattle exposure to the photoperiod. Try to provide at least 150 lux across as much of the pen as possible. Mounting height matters. Fixtures mounted too low create bright spots and deep shadows. Fixtures mounted too high spread the light too thin. A mounting height of 15 to 20 feet is typical for feedlot pole lights. Adjust the spacing based on the beam spread and the desired intensity. ### Step 5: Install Controls for Consistency Use timers or photocells to control the lighting schedule. A simple timer that turns lights on and off at set times is reliable and inexpensive. Photocells, which respond to ambient light levels, can also work but may be less predictable on cloudy days. The goal is a consistent schedule. Avoid manual control, where someone has to remember to turn lights on and off. Human error leads to inconsistent photoperiods and reduced response. Consider installing a manual override for maintenance or emergency work. This allows crew to turn lights on during the dark period when needed, without changing the automatic schedule. ### Step 6: Test and Adjust After installation, test the system with a lux meter. Take readings at the same points used in the initial assessment. Compare the results to the 150 to 200 lux target. Adjust fixture placement or add fixtures in areas that fall short. Check the schedule over several days to confirm the timer is working correctly. Note the actual on and off times and compare them to the target schedule. ### Step 7: Monitor Cattle Response Watch the cattle in the days after the lighting change. Look for changes in feeding behavior, rest patterns, and social interactions. Cattle may take a few days to adjust to the new schedule. Give them time to adapt before making further changes. Track feed intake and average daily gain over the following weeks. Compare these numbers to the baseline from before the lighting change. This data shows whether the lighting program is delivering the expected benefit. ## Common Mistakes in Feedlot Lighting Several common mistakes reduce the effectiveness of feedlot lighting programs. Avoiding these pitfalls will help producers get the full benefit from their investment. ### Mistake 1: Lights On 24 Hours a Day Some producers think that if some light is good, more light is better. They leave lights on around the clock, thinking it will maximize performance. This is a mistake. Cattle need a dark period for rest and normal hormone rhythms. Constant light can disrupt behavior and may reduce the photoperiod response. The solution is to use a timer and provide a consistent 6 to 8 hour dark period each night. This supports normal cattle behavior and maintains the benefits of extended photoperiod. ### Mistake 2: Inconsistent Schedules A lighting program only works if the schedule is consistent. Cattle adapt to a predictable cycle. If lights turn on and off at different times each day, cattle never fully adjust. The biological response is blunted. This often happens when lights are controlled manually. Someone turns lights on when they arrive and off when they leave. The schedule varies with the person and the season. Use an automatic timer to maintain a consistent schedule. ### Mistake 3: Inadequate Light Intensity Many feedlot lighting systems provide only enough light for human visibility. The intensity at the pen surface may be 30 to 50 lux, far below the 150 to 200 lux target. Cattle may not register a photoperiod response at these low levels. Measure the actual light intensity with a lux meter. If levels are below target, add fixtures or upgrade to higher output units. The investment in additional light often pays off through improved gain. ### Mistake 4: Poor Fixture Placement Fixtures that only light the feed alley leave the rest of the pen in shadow. Cattle that rest or socialize in darker areas may not get adequate light exposure. Subordinate animals may be pushed away from the lit areas, reducing their access to the photoperiod signal. Design the lighting to cover the main activity areas of the pen. Spread fixtures to reduce shadows and provide even coverage. The goal is for all cattle in the pen to receive adequate light exposure. ### Mistake 5: Dirty or Failing Fixtures Light fixtures accumulate dust, dirt, and insect debris over time. This can reduce light output by 20 to 30 percent. A fixture that once provided 200 lux may drop below 150 lux without any obvious sign. Include fixture cleaning in the regular maintenance schedule. Clean lenses and reflectors every few months, or more often in dusty conditions. Replace failing bulbs or LEDs promptly. ### Mistake 6: Ignoring Seasonal Changes The benefit of supplemental lighting varies by season. During summer, natural day length may already be adequate. During winter, the response to supplemental lighting is greatest. Producers who run the same schedule year round may not need as much supplemental light in summer. Consider adjusting the schedule seasonally. In summer, lights may only be needed for human work, not for photoperiod extension. In winter, extend the lighted period to reach the 16 hour target. ## Decision Thresholds for Lighting Upgrades Not every feedlot needs a full lighting overhaul. The decision to invest in a lighting program depends on several factors. Use these thresholds to guide the decision. ### Cattle Class and Stage Growing cattle, especially those in the backgrounding or early finishing phase, show the strongest response to extended photoperiod. The effect on average daily gain is most consistent in this group. Mature cows and bulls may show less response, and the practical benefit may not justify the lighting cost. If the feedlot primarily handles growing cattle, a lighting program is more likely to pay off. If the operation handles mature animals or breeding stock, the benefit is less certain. ### Season of Feeding Cattle fed during fall and winter are the best candidates for a lighting program. Natural day length is short, and supplemental light can extend the perceived photoperiod significantly. Cattle fed during summer may already receive adequate day length, reducing the potential benefit. Operations that feed cattle year round may see the most benefit from a lighting program during the darker months. The same system can be used for human visibility during summer, even if the photoperiod effect is minimal. ### Current Facility Condition Feedlots that already have a good electrical infrastructure and pole placement can upgrade lighting at a moderate cost. Operations that need new poles, new wiring, or significant electrical work face higher costs. The payback period may be longer in these cases. Consider the age and condition of existing fixtures. Old metal halide fixtures are inefficient and may be nearing the end of their lifespan. Replacing them with LEDs improves both light output and energy efficiency, even before considering the cattle performance benefit. ### Economic Analysis A simple economic analysis can guide the decision. Estimate the cost of the lighting upgrade, including fixtures, installation, and ongoing electricity. Estimate the potential benefit from improved average daily gain, based on the number of cattle and the expected response. For example, a feedlot with 1000 head on feed for 120 days might expect a 5 percent improvement in average daily gain from a lighting program. If the baseline gain is 3.5 pounds per day, the improvement is 0.175 pounds per day. Over 120 days, that is 21 pounds per head. At a market price of 1.50 dollars per pound, that is 31.50 dollars per head, or 31,500 dollars for the pen. If the lighting upgrade costs 20,000 dollars, the payback is under one feeding cycle. These numbers are illustrative and vary by operation. Producers should run their own analysis with current costs and prices. The key point is that the potential benefit is large enough to justify careful consideration. ## Monitoring and Recordkeeping A feedlot light program is not a set and forget system. It requires monitoring to confirm it is working and to identify problems early. Good records help producers track performance and make informed decisions. ### Behavior Observations Spend time watching the cattle during both the light and dark periods. Note when cattle are at the bunk, when they are resting, and how they interact. Changes in behavior can be an early sign that the lighting program is working or that something is wrong. During the light period, look for cattle spread across the pen, with multiple animals at the bunk throughout the day. This suggests they are eating in smaller, more frequent meals. During the dark period, look for cattle lying down and ruminating. A calm, settled pen during darkness is a good sign. ### Feed Intake Records Track daily feed delivery and orts, or leftover feed. Calculate the actual intake per pen. Compare intake before and after the lighting change. An increase in intake of 3 to 5 percent is a reasonable expectation with an extended photoperiod. Sudden or extreme increases in intake may require bunk management adjustments. Watch for signs of digestive upset, such as reduced intake or changes in manure consistency. If problems occur, consult with a nutritionist or veterinarian. ### Performance Data Track average daily gain and feed conversion for each pen. Compare pens under the lighting program to previous pens or to control pens without lighting. This data shows the actual performance benefit on a specific operation. Performance data is most meaningful when collected over multiple feeding cycles. Seasonal effects and variations in cattle quality can mask the lighting effect in a single group. Consistent recordkeeping over time provides the clearest picture. ### Equipment Checks Inspect the lighting system regularly. Check for burned out fixtures, dirty lenses, and timer failures. A single failed fixture can create a dark spot that reduces the program's effectiveness. A timer failure can disrupt the schedule and blunt the cattle photoperiod response. Keep a log of equipment checks and maintenance. This helps identify recurring problems and ensures the system stays in good working order. ### Recordkeeping Template A simple recordkeeping system can track the key metrics. Use a spreadsheet or a paper log to record: | Date | Pen | Lights On | Lights Off | Feed Delivered | Orts | Estimated Intake | Notes | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | 10/1 | 12 | 5:00 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. | 2,400 lb | 100 lb | 2,300 lb | Normal | | 10/2 | 12 | 5:00 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. | 2,450 lb | 80 lb | 2,370 lb | Intake up | | 10/3 | 12 | 5:00 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. | 2,500 lb | 90 lb | 2,410 lb | Bunk clean | This level of detail helps identify trends and respond quickly to problems. ## When to Call a Veterinarian or Extension Agent A lighting program is a management tool, not a medical treatment. It does not replace veterinary care or nutrition advice. However, there are times when professional help is needed. ### Unexpected Health Problems If cattle show signs of illness after a lighting change, contact a veterinarian. Common signs include reduced feed intake, lethargy, coughing, nasal discharge, diarrhea, or lameness. These symptoms may be unrelated to the lighting, but they need prompt attention. A sudden increase in feed intake can trigger digestive problems. If cattle go off feed, show signs of bloat, or develop diarrhea shortly after a lighting change, call a veterinarian. The lighting program may need to be adjusted, and the cattle may need treatment. ### Ration Adjustments If the lighting program leads to a significant increase in feed intake, the ration may need adjustment. A nutritionist or extension agent can help reformulate the ration to match the new intake level. This ensures cattle get the right balance of energy, protein, and minerals. Do not make major ration changes without professional guidance. Improper ration adjustments can lead to digestive upset, reduced performance, or health problems. ### Facility Design Questions Producers planning a new feedlot or a major remodel may benefit from extension advice. Extension agents can provide information on lighting design, fixture selection, and placement. They can also connect producers with resources on cattle behavior and facility management. Many land grant universities have extension specialists in beef cattle management and agricultural engineering. These specialists can provide practical, research based guidance for [feedlot design](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/beef-cattle-feedlot-design-pen-layout-manure). ### Unusual Behavior Patterns If cattle show persistent behavioral problems, such as excessive aggression, stereotypic behaviors, or difficulty resting, consult a professional. These issues may be related to the lighting program, but they can also indicate other management problems. A veterinarian or animal behavior specialist can help identify the cause and recommend solutions. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long does it take for cattle to respond to a lighting program? Cattle typically begin to adjust to a new lighting schedule within a few days. Feed intake may increase within the first week. The full effect on average daily gain is usually seen over the course of several weeks. Producers should give the program at least 30 days before evaluating the response. Short term fluctuations in intake and behavior are normal during the adjustment period. ### Can I use regular barn lights or do I need special cattle lights? Regular industrial or agricultural LED fixtures work well for feedlot lighting. There is no need for special cattle specific lights. The key requirements are adequate intensity, around 150 to 200 lux, and a consistent schedule. Choose fixtures with a color temperature of 4000 to 5000 Kelvin for a bright, daylight like spectrum. Fixtures should be weatherproof and rated for outdoor use. ### Will lighting help my cattle gain weight in summer? The benefit of supplemental lighting is greatest when natural day length is short. During summer, day length may already be 15 hours or more in many regions. Adding supplemental light may provide a small additional benefit, but the response is usually less than in winter. The main value of summer lighting is for human visibility and safety, not for photoperiod response. ### What is the best schedule for feedlot lights? A schedule of 16 to 18 hours of light followed by 6 to 8 hours of darkness is the most common and effective pattern. Many operations run lights from early morning, around 5 or 6 a.m., until late evening, around 9 or 10 p.m. The exact times can be adjusted to fit the feeding and work schedule. The most important factor is consistency. Keep the on and off times the same every day. ### How much does it cost to run feedlot lights? The cost depends on the number of fixtures, the wattage, and the local electricity rate. LED fixtures use significantly less electricity than older metal halide or incandescent lights. A typical 200 watt LED fixture running 16 hours per day uses about 3.2 kilowatt hours per day. At an electricity rate of 0.12 dollars per kilowatt hour, that is about 0.38 dollars per day per fixture. A feedlot with 20 fixtures would spend about 7.70 dollars per day, or roughly 230 dollars per month. The improved gain from the lighting program usually far exceeds this cost. ### Do I need to light the entire pen or just the bunk line? The bunk line is the most important area to light, but the entire pen should receive some light. Cattle need exposure to the photoperiod throughout the day, not just when they are eating. Shy cattle may avoid brightly lit areas if they are dominated by more aggressive animals. Providing even coverage across the pen gives all cattle the opportunity to experience the extended photoperiod. ### Will continuous 24 hour lighting improve performance even more? No. Continuous lighting can disrupt normal cattle behavior and may reduce the benefit of extended photoperiod. Cattle need a dark period to rest, ruminate, and maintain normal hormone rhythms. A consistent 6 to 8 hour dark period is an important part of the program. Leaving lights on all night can lead to restless cattle and reduced rest time. ### How do I measure light intensity in my feedlot? Use a handheld lux meter, which is available at most electrical supply stores or online for under 50 dollars. Take readings at the height of a standing animal's head, about 4 to 5 feet off the ground. Measure at multiple points across the pen, including the bunk line, water source, and loafing area. Compare the readings to the 150 to 200 lux target. The meter gives a quick and reliable way to assess the lighting system. ## Related Farming Guides - [Feedlot Lighting for Night Operations and Safety](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/feedlot-lighting-night-operations-safety) This section will be populated with links to related farming guides, including topics on feedlot management, cattle nutrition, pen design, and cattle health. Check back for updates or browse the farming guide library for more information. ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Cattle Head Gate Selection and Adjustment](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/cattle-head-gate-selection-and-adjustment) * [Beef Cattle Handling Facility Flow](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/beef-cattle-handling-facility-flow) * [Beef Cattle Maternity Pen Design: Comfort and Monitoring](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/beef-cattle-maternity-pen-design-comfort-monitoring) ## References - Beef Cattle Research Council: https://www.beefresearch.ca/ - USDA APHIS Cattle Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle - WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code: https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/ - FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/ - WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/ > This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.