Swine See Differently
Pigs have dichromatic vision; in the pig`s eye there are two sets of cones that give the animal peak wavelength sensitivity at 439 nm
(blue color) and 556 nm(green color). The photoreceptors in a pig`s eye cannot detect the color red (>650 nm). Past research
indicates that in order to get a physiological response from domestic pigs, the light exposure for [daylight" should be within
the light spectrum of 380 to 580 nm.
Eyes are undeniably one of our most important organs. It is where light penetrates the retina and stimulates multiple biological functions. The light we perceive is part of the electromagnetic spectrum our eyes can detect, known as the visible spectrum.
There are several aspects of artificial light important to swine producers:
Spectral composition: The distribution of light wavelengths (indicates how much of each color is present)
Photoperiod: The number of hours of light and dark in a 24-hour period
Light intensity: The total amount of luminous power produced in the visual part of the light spectrum.Using an inappropriate artificial light, or simply improperly measured light intensities, will result in the illuminance (footcandle, lux) being too high or too low. The consequences of inappropriate lighting may affect health, production and welfare of your animals due to the abnormal light-induced biological responses.