Case Study: Validating the Impact of RUDAX Lighting on Dairy Cow Milk Production

Precision Lighting Shows Measurable Gains in Yield and Quality of Milk

Lighting remains one of the most overlooked yet high-impact levers in dairy production. Building on earlier trials in Asia, this Dutch case study evaluates how RUDAX lighting - specifically the Lactivus spectrum - affects milk yield, quality, and herd behavior across various lighting conditions. The findings provide measurable, on-farm proof that biologically intelligent lighting contributes directly to performance.

Objective

This field study focused on three primary questions:

• What impact do RUDAX lighting setups have on milk yield?
• How do results vary by lighting type and milking session?
• Does lighting affect consistency and compositional milk quality?

Methodology

The test was conducted on a farm managing 120–150 Holstein-Friesian cows in a semi-automated milking environment.

Data Collection:

• Milk yield was recorded twice daily.
• Milk quality was analyzed every three days via processor reports, covering fat, protein, lactose, and urea values.
• Lighting conditions were evaluated using the HATO ONE tool, measuring lux, flicker, correlated color temperature (CCT), and color rendering index (CRI).

Lighting Configurations:

• Baseline (old lighting): 18 lux, CRI 62, 26% flicker
• RUDAX with Lactivus: 145 lux, CRI 85, <5% flicker

Key Results:

Milk Yield Increases:

• Cows exposed to RUDAX Lactivus Technology saw an average increase in milk production between 3% and 7%.

Milk Quality Improvements:

• Protein increased to 3.54% (RUDAX) compared to 3.43% (baseline).
• Fat content rose to 4.43% from a baseline of 4.01%.
• Lactose levels remained stable at ~4.59–4.64%.
• Urea slightly decreased, indicating more efficient feed conversion.

Observational Notes

Lighting with Lactivus spectrum appeared to extend cows’ active periods, in line with the biological model that links light exposure to melatonin suppression and IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) activation. This keeps cows productive for longer parts of the day, sustaining milk flow.

Despite increases in volume, milk quality remained stable, or slightly improved, across fat, protein, and lactose levels. In controlled barns using the Lactivus setup, night calving decreased significantly, attributed to stronger circadian rhythm alignment through consistent light-dark cycles.

Strategic Implications

The study confirms that RUDAX lighting, and specifically Lactivus Technology, can drive measurable yield increases without compromising milk composition. The intervention required no changes to feed, herd size, or genetics.

• Estimated ROI: 1-3 years (based on net profit)
• Operational compatibility: No other input changes required
• Environmental benefit: More milk per cow = reduced CO₂ footprint per liter

Key Takeaways for Dairy Processors

• Higher volume, same quality: Milk yield increased 3–7% with stable or slightly improved quality. Processors can grow output and profitability without increasing herd numbers.
• Carbon efficiency: Higher output per cow improves processor carbon metrics, supporting sustainability targets.
• Scalability: A 3–7% gain across large volumes translates into major financial returns—without building new barns or acquiring new land.

Calculation Example:

A processor handling 500 million liters annually, with €0.07/liter profit, stands to gain €1–2.4 million per year in additional profit. Over ten years, this equals €10–24 million.

Investment Comparison:

• To achieve a 3% gain using RUDAX lighting: ~€2.5 million
• To achieve the same through herd expansion (15,000 more cows): €120–180 million

ROI Estimates (Lactivus Concept):

• 3% milk increase: 2.5 years
• 5% milk increase: 1.43 years
• 7% milk increase: 1.04 years

This case study confirms that lighting is not merely an overhead cost, it’s a production tool. RUDAX’s Lactivus Technology delivers repeatable gains in both yield and quality, while also aligning with processor goals around carbon efficiency and profitability.

For farms and processors alike, lighting offers a scalable, low-barrier path to more output with existing resources.