Lamers Dairy’s Smart Switch: 56 RUDAX Lamps, 2.9% More Milk

Nestled in the Dutch countryside, Lamers Dairy is a forward-thinking farm that blends tradition with technology. With a herd of over 140 Holstein-Friesian cows and a fully automated Lely milking robot system, the farm is no stranger to innovation. But when it came to barn lighting, things were still stuck in the past, until curiosity sparked a change. 

Sander Lamers, the farm’s owner, had heard promising things about HATO’s RUDAX lighting system from a fellow cattle farmer. Intrigued by the potential to improve both cow welfare and productivity, he partnered with HATO and Van Grinsven Agritechniek en Advies to put the system to the test.

From Shadows to Clarity: A Brighter Barn 

Before switching to HATO’s RUDAX system, Lamers Dairy operated under warm yellow lighting that left shadowy corners and uneven visibility. After installing 56 RUDAX lamps with the Lactivus spectrum, the barn transformed:

• Uniform brightness eliminated shadow spots.
• Improved visibility made tasks like scraping pens and herding cows easier.
• Cooler light temperature created a more comfortable working environment. 

The Numbers Behind the Light: Measurable Impact 

A joint research study with Van Grinsven Agritechniek en Advies and HATO Lighting confirmed what Sander observed: the lighting didn’t just look better - it performed better. 

Key Results:

• Milk production increased by 2.9%, nearly double the predicted gain.
• Average daily milk per cow rose from 32.98 kg to 34.10 kg.
• Robot visits per cow increased, suggesting improved cow behavior and comfort.
• Energy consumption dropped by 42%, despite installing more lamps. 

Beyond the Data: Behavioural Benefits 

Sander noticed something unexpected: cows under RUDAX lighting were calmer during oestrus. Previously, they were restless and harder to manage. Now, they remain observable but composed, making herd management smoother and safer. 

“They’re still active, but no longer chaotic. It’s a subtle change, but it makes a big difference.” - Sander Lamers

Why It Matters: A Holistic Upgrade 

This was a strategic upgrade. The Lactivus spectrum was designed to optimise cow physiology and behaviour, and the results validate the science:

• Higher milk yield without compromising composition.
• Stable fat and protein percentages across lighting phases.
• Improved cow comfort and productivity. 
  
  

Sustainability Meets Performance 

Despite quadrupling the number of lamps, Lamers Dairy reduced energy consumption by nearly half.

That’s thanks to RUDAX’s efficient 32W design, replacing older 400W units. 

Final Takeaway: Light That Delivers 

Lamers Dairy’s experience proves that lighting is all about productivity, sustainability, and animal welfare. With RUDAX and the Lactivus spectrum, they’ve unlocked a new level of performance.