Two-stage multiple-color lighting spectra for optimized juvenile poultry production

Abstract

The invention provides a light generating system (1000), wherein the light generating system (1000) is configured to generate system light (1001) having a controllable spectral power distribution and intensity, wherein in an operational mode the light generating system (1000) is configured to generate during a first time period P.sub.1, a first spectral power distribution E.sub.1, and during a second time period P.sub.2, later in time than the first period P.sub.1, a second spectral power distribution E.sub.2, wherein: (A) the controllable spectral power distribution comprises (a) a first spectral range ?.sub.1 having one or more wavelengths in the blue, and having a primary first spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1) during the first time period P.sub.1 and a secondary first spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1) during the second time period P.sub.2, (b) a second spectral range ?.sub.2 having one or more wavelengths in the green, and having a primary second spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2) during the first time period P.sub.1 and a secondary second spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2) during the second time period P.sub.2, and (c) an amber-red spectral range ?.sub.34 having one or more wavelengths in the amber-red, and having a primary amber-red spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34) during the first time period P.sub.1 and a secondary amber-red spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34) during the second time period P.sub.2; (B) the first spectral power distribution E.sub.1 comprises the primary first spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1), the primary second spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2), and the primary amber-red spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34); the second spectral power distribution E.sub.2 comprises the secondary first spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1), the secondary second spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2), and the secondary amber-red spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34); (C) the first period P.sub.1 is selected from of at least part of a day; the second period P.sub.2 is selected from the range of at least part of a day; (D) SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1)>0 Watt, SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2)>0 Watt, and SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34)>0 Watt; SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1>0 Watt, and SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)>0 Watt; SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)<SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1); SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)<SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1); and SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)<SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2).

Claims

1. A light generating system, wherein the light generating system is configured to generate system light having a controllable spectral power distribution and intensity, wherein the light generating system is configured to generate during a first time period P.sub.1, a first spectral power distribution E.sub.1, and during a second time period P.sub.2, later in time than the first period P.sub.1, a second spectral power distribution E.sub.2, wherein: the controllable spectral power distribution comprises (a) a first spectral range ?.sub.1 having one or more wavelengths in the blue, and having a primary first spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1) during the first time period P.sub.1 and a secondary first spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1) during the second time period P.sub.2, (b) a second spectral range ?.sub.2 having one or more wavelengths in the green, and having a primary second spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2) during the first time period P.sub.1 and a secondary second spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2) during the second time period P.sub.2, and (c) an amber-red spectral range ?.sub.34 having one or more wavelengths in the amber-red, and having a primary amber-red spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34) during the first time period P.sub.1 and a secondary amber-red spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34) during the second time period P.sub.2; the first spectral power distribution E.sub.1 comprises the primary first spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1), the primary second spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2), and the primary amber-red spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34); the second spectral power distribution E.sub.2 comprises the secondary first spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1), the secondary second spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2), and the secondary amber-red spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34); the first period P.sub.1 is selected from the range of at least part of a day; the second period P.sub.2 is selected from the range of at least part of a day; SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1)>0 Watt, SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2)>0 Watt, and SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34)>0 Watt; SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)>0 Watt, and SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)>0 Watt; SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)<SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1); SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)<SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1); SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)<SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2), the light generating system is further configured to provide during a first rearing period RP.sub.1 selected from the range of 5-20 days, each day during the first time period P.sub.1 system light with the first spectral power distribution E.sub.1, and subsequently during a second rearing period RP.sub.2 selected from the range of at least 10 days, each day during the second time period P.sub.2 system light with the second spectral power distribution E.sub.2; the light generating system comprising one or more light generating devices configured to generate the system light; and the light generating system comprising a control system, configured to control the controllable spectral power distribution and intensity of the system light.

2. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the first spectral range ?.sub.1 has one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 400-470 nm, the second spectral range ?.sub.2 has one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 510-580 nm, the amber-red spectral range ?.sub.34 has one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 580-750 nm, and wherein: the first period P.sub.1 is selected from the range of 8-24 hours; the second period P.sub.2 is selected from the range of 8-22 hours; SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)?0.75*SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1); SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)?0.25*SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1); and SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)?0.5*SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2).

3. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the controllable spectral power distribution in the amber-red spectral range ?.sub.34 comprises a third spectral range ?.sub.3 having one or more wavelengths in the red with one or more wavelengths selected from a wavelength range of 620-750 nm and a fourth spectral range ?.sub.4 having one or more wavelengths in the amber wavelength range with one or more wavelengths selected from the range of 580-620 nm, wherein: the third spectral range ?.sub.3 has a primary third spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.3) during the first time period P.sub.1 and a secondary third spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.3) during the second time period P.sub.2; the fourth spectral range ?.sub.4 has a primary fourth spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.4) during the first time period P.sub.1 and a secondary fourth spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.4) during the second time period P.sub.2; the first spectral power distribution E.sub.1 comprises the primary third spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.3) and the primary fourth spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.4); and the second spectral power distribution E.sub.2 further comprises the secondary third spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.3) and the secondary fourth spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.4); SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.3)>0 Watt and SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.4)>0 Watt; SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.3)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)?0.25*SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.3)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1) and SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.4)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)?0.25*SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.4)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1); and SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.3)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)?0.5*SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.3)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2) and SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.4)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)?0.5*SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.4)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2).

4. The light generating system according to claim 3, wherein: the controllable spectral power distribution comprises (a) the first spectral range ?.sub.1 having one or more wavelengths in the blue, and having the primary first spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1) during the first time period P.sub.1 and the secondary first spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1) during the second time period P.sub.2, (b) the second spectral range ?.sub.2 having one or more wavelengths in the green, and having the primary second spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2) during the first time period P.sub.1 and the secondary second spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2) during the second time period P.sub.2, and (c) a third spectral range ?.sub.3 having one or more wavelengths in the red, and having the primary third spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.3) during the first time period P.sub.1 and the secondary third spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.3) during the second time period P.sub.2; the first spectral range ?.sub.1, the second spectral range ?.sub.2, and the third spectral range ?.sub.3 are non-overlapping; the first spectral power distribution E.sub.1 comprises the primary first spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1), the primary second spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2), and the primary third spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.3); the second spectral power distribution E.sub.2 comprises the secondary first spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1), the secondary second spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2), and the secondary third spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.3); the first period P.sub.1 is selected from of at least part of a day; the second period P.sub.2 is selected from the range of at least part of a day; SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1)>0 Watt, SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2)>0 Watt, and SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.3)>0 Watt; SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)>0 Watt, and SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)>0 Watt; SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)<SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1); SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.3)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)<SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.3)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1); and SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.3)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)<SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.3)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2).

5. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)?0.05*SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1).

6. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the controllable spectral power distribution comprises a fifth spectral range ?.sub.5 having one or more wavelengths in the wavelength range of 360-400 nm, and having a primary fifth spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.5) during the first time period P.sub.1 and a secondary fifth spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.5) during the second time period P.sub.2, wherein: the first spectral power distribution E.sub.1 further comprises the primary fifth spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.5); and the second spectral power distribution E.sub.2 further comprises the secondary fifth spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.5); SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.5)>0 Watt, SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.5)>0 Watt; and 0.8?(SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.5)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1))/(SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.5)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1))?1.25.

7. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the first spectral power distribution E.sub.1 provided during the first rearing period RP.sub.1 gradually changes to the second spectral power distribution E.sub.2 provided during the second rearing period RP.sub.2 wherein the resulting spectral power distribution comprises the first spectral power distribution and the second spectral power distribution with changing relative contributions over a period of time of 1-5 days.

8. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the first rearing period RP.sub.1 selected from the range of 5-14 days, and wherein the second rearing period RP.sub.2 selected from the range of at least 40-60 days.

9. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the first rearing period RP.sub.1 selected from the range of 5-14 days, and wherein the second rearing period RP.sub.2 selected from the range of at least 70-140 days.

10. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the lighting system is configured to (i) provide the system light with the first spectral power distribution E.sub.1 during the first rearing period RP.sub.1 with a first luminous flux lm.sub.1, and (ii) provide the system light with the second spectral power distribution E.sub.2 during the second rearing period RP.sub.2 with a second luminous flux lm.sub.2, wherein in average over the respective rearing periods lm.sub.2<lm.sub.1.

11. The light generating system according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor, wherein the control system is configured to control the controllable spectral power distribution and intensity in dependence of a sensor signal of the sensor.

12. The light generating system according to claim 11, wherein the sensor and control system are configured to monitor poultry behavior, and wherein the control system is configured to provide during the second rearing period RP.sub.2 one or more pulses of system light having the first spectral power distribution E.sub.1 with a first pulse duration P.sub.34, wherein the pulse duration P.sub.34 is selected from the range of at maximum 4 hours.

13. An animal farm system comprising a poultry residence and the light generating system according to claim 1 for providing system light in the poultry residence.

14. A method for providing system light in a poultry residence, the method comprising providing the system light with a light generating system; wherein the light generating system is configured to generate system light having a controllable spectral power distribution and intensity, wherein the light generating system is configured to generate during a first time period P1, a first spectral power distribution E1, and during a second time period P2, later in time than the first period P1, a second spectral power distribution E2, wherein: the controllable spectral power distribution comprises (a) a first spectral range ?1 having one or more wavelengths in the blue, and having a primary first spectral power SP(P1, ?1) during the first time period P1 and a secondary first spectral power SP(P2, ?1) during the second time period P2, (b) a second spectral range ?2 having one or more wavelengths in the green, and having a primary second spectral power SP(P1, ?2) during the first time period P1 and a secondary second spectral power SP(P2, ?2) during the second time period P2, and (c) an amber-red spectral range ?34 having one or more wavelengths in the amber-red, and having a primary amber-red spectral power SP(P1, ?34) during the first time period P1 and a secondary amber-red spectral power SP(P2, ?34) during the second time period P2; the first spectral power distribution E1 comprises the primary first spectral power SP(P1, ?1), the primary second spectral power SP(P1, ?2), and the primary amber-red spectral power SP(P1, ?34); the second spectral power distribution E2 comprises the secondary first spectral power SP(P2, ?1), the secondary second spectral power SP(P2, A2), and the secondary amber-red spectral power SP(P2, A34); the first period P1 is selected from the range of at least part of a day; the second period P2 is selected from the range of at least part of a day; SP(P1, ?1)>0 Watt, SP(P1, ?2)>0 Watt, and SP(P1, ?34)>0 Watt; SP(P2, ?1)>0 Watt, and SP(P2, ?2)>0 Watt; SP(P2, ?2)/SP(P2, ?1)<SP(P.sub.1, ?2)/SP(P.sub.1, ?1); SP(P2, A34)/SP(P2, ?1)<SP(P.sub.1, ?34)/SP(P.sub.1, ?1); SP(P2, A34)/SP(P2, ?2)<SP(P.sub.1, ?34)/SP(P.sub.1, ?2), the light generating system is further configured to provide during a first rearing period RP1 selected from the range of 5-20 days, each day during the first time period P1 system light with the first spectral power distribution E1, and subsequently during a second rearing period RP2 selected from the range of at least 10 days, each day during the second time period P2 system light with the second spectral power distribution E2; the light generating system comprising one or more light generating device configured to generate the system light; and the light generating system comprising a control system, configured to control the controllable spectral power distribution and intensity of the system light.

15. A poultry light generating device comprising the light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the poultry light generating device comprises a first electric circuit, a second electric circuit, one or more first light sources; wherein the one or more light generating devices comprise one or more second light sources and one or more amber-red light sources; wherein: the one or more first light sources are configured to generate first light source light having the one or more wavelengths in the blue; the one or more second light sources are configured to generate second light source light having the one or more wavelengths in the green; the one or more amber-red light sources are configured to generate amber-red light source light having the one or more wavelengths in the amber-red; the one or more first light sources are functionally coupled to the first electric circuit, the one or more amber-red light sources are functionally coupled to the second electric circuit, and wherein one or more of the following applies: (i) the one or more second light sources are functionally coupled to a third electric circuit, and (ii) one or more of the one or more second light sources are functionally coupled to the first electric circuit and one or more of the one or more second light sources are functionally coupled to the second electric circuit; and the control system is configured to control the one or more first light sources, the one or more second light sources, and the one or more amber-red light sources.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0097] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0098] FIGS. 1a-1d schematically depict some embodiments, aspects and variants; and

[0099] FIGS. 2a-2e schematically depict some aspects and variants.

[0100] The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0101] FIG. 1a schematically depicts a poultry residence 200 comprising a light generating system 1000. The light generating system 1000 of the invention may in embodiments especially be used for lighting in a poultry residence 200 with system light 1001. The light generating system 1000 is configured to generate the system light 1001 having a controllable spectral power distribution and intensity. The light generating system 1000 may further comprise a control system 300. The control system 300 may especially be configured to control the controllable spectral power distribution and intensity of the system light 1001. The light generating system 1000 may further comprise a sensor 310. In specific embodiments, the control system 300 may be configured to control the controllable spectral power distribution and intensity in dependence of a sensor signal of the sensor 310.

[0102] FIG. 1a effectively also schematically depicts an animal farm system 2000 comprising a poultry residence 200 and the light generating system 1000 for providing system light 1001 in the poultry residence 200. Especially, the light generating system 1000 may comprise one or more light generating devices 100 configured to generate the system light 1001. Hence, the invention may further provide a method for providing system light 1001 in a poultry residence 200. In embodiments, the method may comprise providing the system light 1001 with the light generating system 1000. The invention may further provide a method for providing system light 1001 in a poultry residence 200 of an animal farm system 2000. In embodiments, the method may comprise providing the system light 1001 with the light generating system 1000. The poultry residence 200 may be a residence configured to rear one or more of chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, pheasants, quails, guinea fowls, and heritage breed chickens.

[0103] FIG. 1b schematically depicts a specific embodiment of the light generating system, wherein the light generating system 1000 is comprised by a light generating device 1200. Embodiments of the light generating device 1200 are further depicted in more detail in FIG. 1c.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 1b and 1c, the invention may comprise a poultry lighting device 1200 comprising the light generating system 1000. Especially, the poultry lighting device 1200 may in embodiments comprise a first electric circuit 351, a second electric circuit 352, one or more first light sources 10, one or more second light sources 20 and one or more amber-red light sources 30. In specific embodiments, the poultry lighting device 1200 may comprise a control system 300.

[0105] In embodiments, the one or more first light sources 10 may be configured to generate first light source light 11 having the one or more wavelengths in the blue. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more second light sources 20 may be configured to generate second light source light 21 having the one or more wavelengths in the green. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more amber-red light sources 30 may be configured to generate amber-red light source light 31 having the one or more wavelengths in the amber-red. In specific embodiments, the one or more first light sources 10 may be functionally coupled to the first electric circuit 351 and the one or more amber-red light sources 30 may be functionally coupled to the electric second circuit 352. In specific embodiments, the one or more second light sources 20 may be functionally coupled to a third electric circuit 353. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the one or more second light sources 20 may be functionally coupled to the first electric circuit 351 and one or more of the one or more second light sources 20 may be functionally coupled to the second electric circuit 352.

[0106] Especially the control system 300 may in embodiments be configured to control the one or more first light sources 10, the one or more second light sources 20, and the one or more amber-red light sources 30.

[0107] FIG. 1d schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the light generating system 1000 comprises a plurality of light generating devices 100, which may be configured to generate device light 101, and which may together provide the system light 1001. In dependence upon one or more sensors 310, the control system may e.g. locally control the spectral power distribution of the system light 1001.

[0108] FIG. 2a schematically depicts a first spectral power distribution E.sub.1 and a second spectral power distribution E.sub.2. Referring also to FIGS. 1a-1d, in an operational mode the light generating system 1000 may in embodiments be configured to generate during a first time period P.sub.1, a first spectral power distribution E.sub.1, and during a second time period P.sub.2, later in time than the first period P.sub.1, a second spectral power distribution E.sub.2.

[0109] In embodiments, the controllable spectral power distribution may comprise a first spectral range ?.sub.1 having one or more wavelengths in the blue, and having a primary first spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1) during the first time period P.sub.1 and a secondary first spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1) during the second time period P.sub.2. In embodiments, the controllable spectral power distribution may comprise a second spectral range ?.sub.2 having one or more wavelengths in the green, and having a primary second spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2) during the first time period P.sub.1 and a secondary second spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2) during the second time period P.sub.2. In embodiments, the controllable spectral power distribution may comprise a amber-red spectral range ?.sub.34 having one or more wavelengths in the amber-red, and having a primary amber-red spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34) during the first time period P.sub.1 and a secondary amber-red spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34) during the second time period P.sub.2.

[0110] In specific embodiments, the first spectral range ?.sub.1, the second spectral range ?.sub.2, and the amber-red spectral range ?.sub.34 may essentially be non-overlapping.

[0111] The first spectral power distribution E.sub.1 may in embodiments comprise the primary first spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1), the primary second spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2), and the primary amber-red spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34). The second spectral power distribution E.sub.2 may in embodiments comprise the secondary first spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1), the secondary second spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2), and the secondary amber-red spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34).

[0112] In embodiments, the first spectral range ?.sub.1 may have one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 400-470 nm. Additionally or alternatively, the second spectral range ?.sub.2 may have one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 510-580 nm. Additionally or alternatively, the amber-red spectral range ?.sub.3 may have one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 580-750 nm.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, in specific embodiments, the first period P.sub.1 may be selected from of at least part of a day. In specific embodiments, the second period P.sub.2 may be selected from the range of at least part of a day. In embodiments, a day may be defined as 24 hours. In specific embodiments, the primary first spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1), the primary second spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2), and the primary amber-red spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34) may be emitting in the first spectral power distribution. Essentially, the first spectral power distribution may hence comprise a combination of blue, green and one or more of amber and red light. More especially, in embodiments SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1)>0 Watt, SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2)>0 Watt, and SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34)>0 Watt. In specific embodiments, the secondary first spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1) and the secondary second spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2) may be emitting in the second spectral power distribution. Essentially, the second spectral power distribution may hence comprise a combination of blue and green light. More especially, in embodiments SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)>0 Watt, and SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)>0 Watt. In embodiments, during the second time period P.sub.2 the green emission may be reduced relative to the blue emission. Especially, SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)<SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1). In embodiments, during the second time period P.sub.2 the one or more of amber and red emission may be reduced relative to the blue emission. Especially, SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)<SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1). In embodiments, during the second time period P.sub.2 the one or more of amber and red emission may be reduced relative to the green emission. Especially, SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)<SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2).

[0114] FIG. 2c schematically depicts an embodiment of the emission intensities for the first spectral power distribution E.sub.1 (top) and the second spectral power distribution E.sub.2 (bottom) for each spectral range.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 2c, schematically a rearing period is depicted, with a first rearing period RP1 and a second rearing period RP2. In the operational mode during a first rearing period RP.sub.1 selected from the range of 5-20 days, each day during the first time period P.sub.1 system light 1001 with the first spectral power distribution E.sub.1 may be provided. Subsequently during a second rearing period RP.sub.2 selected from the range of at least 10 days, each day during the second time period P.sub.2 system light 1001 with the second spectral power distribution E.sub.2 may be provided. The first rearing period RP.sub.1 may in embodiments be selected from the range of 5-14 days. Additionally or alternatively, the second rearing period RP.sub.2 may in embodiments be selected from the range of at least 40-60 days. In specific embodiments, the second rearing period RP.sub.2 may be selected from the range of at least 70-140 days.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 2c, for instance the first rearing period may comprise 5 days with the first periods with the first spectral power distribution, followed by the second rearing period that starts first with a gradual change from the first spectral power distribution to the second spectral power distribution. The number of days that during the second rearing period at least second periods of light with the second spectral power distribution are provided may be at least 5, even more especially at least 10.

[0117] Note that an intensity reduction from the first rear period to the second rearing period is schematically depicted in FIG. 2c. However, this is not necessarily the case. In embodiments the luminous fluxes may also be essentially the same. For instance, in the operational mode, the lighting system 1000 may in embodiments be configured to (i) provide the system light 1001 with the first spectral power distribution E.sub.1 during the first rearing period RP.sub.1 (each day during the first time period P.sub.1 system light 1001) with a first luminous flux lm.sub.1. Additionally or alternatively, the lighting system 1000 may in embodiments be configured to provide the system light 1001 with the second spectral power distribution E.sub.2 during the second rearing period RP.sub.2 (each day during the second time period P.sub.2 system light 1001) with a second luminous flux lm.sub.2. In specific embodiments, in average over the respective rearing periods lm.sub.2<lm.sub.1. Especially, in average over the respective rearing periods 0.02?lm.sub.2/lm.sub.1?0.5.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 2a-2c, (the length of) the first period P.sub.1 may in embodiments be selected from the range of 8-24 hours. Additionally or alternatively, (the length of) the second period P.sub.2 may in embodiments be selected from the range of 8-22 hours. In embodiments SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)?0.75*SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1). In embodiments SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)?0.25*SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1). In embodiments SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)?0.5*SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2).

[0119] Referring to FIG. 2d, the controllable spectral power distribution may in embodiments comprise a fourth spectral range ?.sub.4. Especially, the fourth spectral range ?.sub.4 may have one or more wavelengths in the amber wavelength range. More especially the fourth spectral range ?.sub.4 may have one or more wavelengths selected from the range of 580-620 nm. In embodiments, the fourth spectral range ?.sub.4 may have a primary fourth spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.4) during the first time period P.sub.1 and a secondary fourth spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.4) during the second time period P.sub.2. In specific embodiments, the first spectral range ?.sub.1, the second spectral range ?.sub.2, the amber-red spectral range ?.sub.34, and the fourth spectral range ?.sub.4 may essentially be non-overlapping. Hence, in specific embodiments, the first spectral power distribution E.sub.1 may further comprise the primary fourth spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.4); and the second spectral power distribution E.sub.2 may further comprise the secondary fourth spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.4). In embodiments SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.4)>0 Watt. In embodiments SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.4)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)<SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.4)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1), especially wherein SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.4)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)<0.25*SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.4)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1). In embodiments SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.4)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)<SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.4)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2), especially wherein SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.4)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.2)?0.5*SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.4)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.2). In embodiments SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.34/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)?0.05*SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.34)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1).

[0120] Alternatively or additionally, the controllable spectral power distribution may in embodiments comprise a fifth spectral range ?.sub.5. Especially, the fifth spectral range ?.sub.5 may have one or more wavelengths in the wavelength range of 360-400 nm. In embodiments, the fifth spectral range ?.sub.5 may have a primary fifth spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.5) during the first time period P.sub.1 and a secondary fifth spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.5) during the second time period P.sub.2.

[0121] In embodiments, the first spectral range ?.sub.1, the second spectral range ?.sub.2, the amber-red spectral range ?.sub.34, the optional fourth spectral range ?.sub.4, and the fifth spectral range ?.sub.5 may essentially be non-overlapping. Especially, the first spectral power distribution E.sub.1 may further comprise the primary fifth spectral power SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.5) and the second spectral power distribution E.sub.2 may further comprise the secondary fifth spectral power SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.5). In embodiments SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.5)>0 Watt, SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.5)>0 Watt. In embodiments 0.8?SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.5)/SP(P.sub.2, ?.sub.1)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.5)/SP(P.sub.1, ?.sub.1)?1.25.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 2e (and also FIGS. 1a-1b), the sensor 310 and control system 300 may especially be configured to monitor poultry behavior. The control system 300 may in embodiments be configured to provide during the second rearing period RP.sub.2 one or more pulses of system light 1001 having the first spectral power distribution E.sub.1 with a first pulse duration P.sub.3. In specific embodiments, the pulse duration P.sub.3 may be selected from the range of at maximum 4 hours.

[0123] In embodiments, approximately equal (+/?20%) intensities of blue, green, and red spectra may be provided during the brooding phase of poultry rearing and approximately two times (+/?20%) as much blue as green and substantially no red during the grow-out phase may be provided, see also FIGS. 2a-2e.

[0124] In embodiments, a fourth spectral component (amber) may or may not be included during the brood phase, which may in specific embodiments be a phosphor-based light source with a peak between green and red. Would an amber spectrum be included, the relative intensity of this peak may also be approximately equal (+/?20%) to the other peaks during the brood phase. In specific embodiments, the amber light source light may be removed essentially completely during the grow-out phase, similar to the red channel.

[0125] In specific embodiments, the blue spectrum may be defined as a light source with a spectral density output function resulting in a peak maximum between 400 nm and 470 nm. The green spectrum may in specific embodiments be defined as a light source with a spectral density output function resulting in a peak maximum between 510 nm and 580 nm. The red spectrum may in specific embodiments be defined as a light source with a spectral density output function resulting in a peak maximum between 580 nm and 750 nm. The amber spectrum is defined here as a light source with a spectral density output function resulting in a peak maximum between 580 nm and 620 nm.

[0126] Based on a plurality of measurements wherein the effect of spectral power distributions on poultry, especially chickens was tested, desirable spectral power distributions were defined (see above, and see e.g. FIG. 2a).

[0127] The optimized lighting spectral ratios may be independent of light source. It can be achieved by mixing of multiple light sources or through filtering of a multispectral light source. The relative peak intensities can be measured according to peak height or integrated area under the peak, especially based on the latter (with an energy-based y-scale).

[0128] In embodiments, a specific solution to build this invention would be to design a circuit with three different LED channels. Channel 1 may contain only blue LEDS (e.g. 450 nm peak wavelength). Channel 2 may contain only green LEDs (e.g. 530 nm peak wavelength). Channel 3 may contain only red LEDs (e.g. 660 nm peak wavelength). Light output from each channel may be controllable individually via a dimming mechanism, such as pulsed-width modulation, current limitation, or phase-cut. In embodiments, during the brood phase, all three channels would be driven equally to allow equal light emission from all channels. During grow-out, channel 3 may in embodiments be shut off and channel 2 may in embodiments be dimmed to half the intensity of channel 1; see also FIG. 3b.

[0129] In embodiments, the system may also be designed with as little as two channels (see also FIG. 3b). In embodiments, channel 1 may contain blue LEDs (450 nm peak wavelength) and green LEDs (530 nm) and channel 2 may contain green LEDs (530 nm peak wavelength) and red LEDs (660 nm peak wavelength). Light output from each channel may be controllable individually via a dimming mechanism, such as pulsed-width modulation, current limitation or phase-cut. During the brood phase, both channels may in embodiments be driven essentially equally to allow equal light emission from both channels. In embodiments, during grow-out, channel 2 may substantially be shut off, leaving essentially channel 1 to emit blue and half the green intensity spectrum.

[0130] In embodiments, a scheduler may be used to define the output of each channel according to the time of day and according to day of production. The scheduler may be used by the control system to control the system light.

[0131] Amongst others, the system and or method may be used for rearing of broiler chickens. For instance, in embodiments of this invention the system may be used for rearing of broiler (meat) chickens. Commercial breeds of broiler chickens may remain as pre-reproductive juveniles over their about <8-week lifespan. The timeframes for brooding and grow-out described above may apply only to commercial breeds of broiler chickens. Other breeds and species may have other defined timeframes.

[0132] Alternatively or additionally, the system and or method may be use for rearing of juvenile breeding stock and layer stock. Hence, in addition (or alternative) to raising chickens as a source of meat, chickens may also be raised for their reproductive capacity. Juvenile female chickens (pullets) may be raised to lay table eggs or fertile eggs as adults, and males (cockerels) may be raised to be used as breeding stock as adults. In these cases, their juvenile stage persists much longer than a broiler chicken-typically up to about 16-20 weeks. Here, brooding lighting spectrum may be used for the first about 1-2 weeks, and the grow-out lighting spectrum may be used thereafter.

[0133] Further, in embodiments pulsed lighting may be applied: for instance, pre-defined pulses of brood lighting condition may be used during grow-out period (see also FIG. 2e). This may improve activity and feeding in older birds. Pulses of light may be either more intense lighting conditions or differing spectral composition or a combination of both intensity and spectral composition. When pulse intensity is being modulated, inter pulse intervals may comprise low-level lighting (e.g. 0.1-20 lux); pulses may include higher intensities of light (>20 lux). Especially, in embodiments the pulse may be at least 1.5 times more bright than the baseline intensity.

[0134] When pulse spectral composition may be modulated, inter pulse intervals may comprise a grow-out spectral composition as described in relation to FIG. 2e. Pulses would increase the red and green channels to match those of brood, also described in FIG. 2e. Pulse lengths and inter pulse intervals may be held constant throughout the light period, or may be varied throughout the day. An example pulse schedule would be one hour pulse and 3 hours inter pulse interval. The pulse duration could range from 5 minutes to 2 hours; the inter pulse interval could range from 10 minutes to 6 hours.

[0135] Further, in embodiments the invention allows adaptive lighting based on feedback. For instance, sensors may be used to detect condition of individuals or flock. Further, in embodiments the brood condition may be used longer if needed, or the grow-out condition could be started earlier if needed. In embodiments, the brood condition may be used transiently to increase bird activity even during the grow-out period. The grow-out condition may be used for periods of time during the brooding period if the birds require rest or respite.

[0136] The invention may be applied for chicken (including chicks). Other species/breeds may be turkeys, ducks, geese, pheasants, quails, guinea fowls. The term chicken may also refer to slow-growing broiler chickens or heritage breed chickens.

[0137] In embodiments, one or more additional lighting channels can be added.

[0138] For instance, in embodiments amber may be added. The amber spectrum may in embodiments be defined as a light source with a spectral density output function resulting in a peak maximum between 580 nm and 620 nm. If an amber spectrum is included, the relative intensity of this peak may in embodiments also be approximately equal (+/?20%) to the other peaks during the brood phase. In embodiments, the amber light source light may essentially be removed completely during the grow-out phase, similar to the red channel.

[0139] Adding in amber may increase color rendering index allowing the poultry to distinguish a larger gamut of colors. Since amber has about both red and green components, it may be treated most like red in the recipe definition. Amber may be present in embodiments in about equal intensity to the other channels during brood, but it may desirably be dimmed substantially during grow-out. In other embodiments, amber may be used to replace the red channel completely.

[0140] For instance, in (other) embodiments, UV and/or deep-blue light, such as e.g. UV-A, may be provided. Ultraviolet-A light may have biological effects similar to blue on poultry: It seems to have a calming effect and to lower stress. Control of the UV-A channel may essentially be similar to blue. Herein, the UV-A spectrum may be defined as a light source with a spectral density output function resulting in a peak maximum between 360 nm and 400 nm. Would an UV-A be included, the relative intensity of this peak may also be approximately equal (+/?20%) to the other peaks during the brood phase. In embodiments, the UV-A light source may be retained essentially completely during the grow-out phase, essentially similar to the blue channel.

[0141] With respect to a transition between brood and grow-out conditions, in embodiments the transition between brood and grow-out conditions may occur between about days 10-20 (after hatching). Each of the peak intensities may in embodiments be about linearly interpolated across the 10 days so there are no abrupt lighting spectrum changes from day to day. In alternative embodiments, a transition could take place up to 40 days or as little as after 1-2 days.

[0142] A number of trials was executed, see below.

Brooding Trial

[0143] A trial was conducted to compare the growth rates and feed conversion ratios (FCRs) of broiler chicks brooded under traditional white light versus the lighting regiment outlined in this disclosure. Five rooms of 50 chicks were assigned to one lighting treatment group, 5 rooms of 50 chicks were assigned to the other lighting treatment group. The chicks were managed according to standard broiler management practices, and chick weights and feed consumed were measured. Feed conversion ratios (FCRs) were determined by calculating the amount of feed consumed per chicken divided by the weight of each chicken. Results for 22-day old chicks are shown below:

TABLE-US-00001 White Light treatment 2 Light (this invention) Improvement Avg. chick weight 0.9912 kg 1.0088 kg 0.0176 kg (1.8%) Avg. FCR 1.671 1.630 4.1 percentage points

Combined Brood+Grow-Out Trial

[0144] A trial was conducted to compare the growth rates and feed conversion ratios (FCRs) of broilers brooded and grown under two different lighting conditions. In Lighting Treatment #1, red light dimmed away completely as the lights were dimmed. In Lighting Treatment #2, red light also dimmed away, but the green light was also dimmed to half the intensity during the dimming process. Lighting Treatment #2 represents the invention outlined in this disclosure. traditional white light versus the lighting regiment outlined in this disclosure. Five rooms of 50 chicks were assigned to one lighting treatment group, 5 rooms of 50 chicks were assigned to the other lighting treatment group. The birds were managed according to standard broiler management practices, and bird weights and feed consumed were measured. Feed conversion ratios (FCRs) were determined by calculating the amount of feed consumed per chicken divided by the weight of each chicken. Results for birds at the end of the trial are shown below:

TABLE-US-00002 Light Light Treatment 2 Treatment 1 (this invention) Improvement Avg. bird weight, 2.8164 kg 2.8470 kg 0.0306 kg (1.1%) day 42 Avg. FCR 1.763 1.756 0.7 percentage points

Further Trials

[0145] A broiler farm was used to test the performance of birds given traditional white light versus the lighting regimen outlined in this disclosure. Identical barns with matched flock-sourced chicks were used between comparison groups. About 11,000 birds were placed per barn, and were managed according to standard broiler management practices. Feed conversion ratios (FCRs) were determined by calculating the amount of feed consumed per chicken divided by the weight of each chicken. Results of three rounds of testing are shown below:

TABLE-US-00003 FCR White Light FCR, this invention FCR improvement Trial 1 1.63 1.57 6 percentage points Trial 2 1.782 1.652 13 percentage points Trial 3 1.783 1.724 5.9 percentage points

[0146] In yet a further trial, isolation tests, emergence tests, and tonic immobility tests were executed in dependence of the light recipe. Further, the heterophil-lymphocyte ratios were tested in dependence of the light recipe. A control group received light of which the blue-green ratio was not changed over and a test group received light according to the herein described schedule. All tests showed that the test group had better results than the control group.

[0147] The term plurality refers to two or more.

[0148] The terms substantially or essentially herein, and similar terms, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The terms substantially or essentially may also include embodiments with entirely, completely, all, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially or essentially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term substantially or the term essentially may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term comprise also includes embodiments wherein the term comprises means consists of.

[0149] The term and/or especially relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after and/or. For instance, a phrase item 1 and/or item 2 and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term comprising may in an embodiment refer to consisting of but may in another embodiment also refer to containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species.

[0150] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0151] The devices, apparatus, or systems may herein amongst others be described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation, or devices, apparatus, or systems in operation.

[0152] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0153] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0154] Use of the verb to comprise and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to.

[0155] The article a or an preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0156] The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim, or an apparatus claim, or a system claim, enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0157] The invention also provides a control system that may control the device, apparatus, or system, or that may execute the herein described method or process. Yet further, the invention also provides a computer program product, when running on a computer which is functionally coupled to or comprised by the device, apparatus, or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such device, apparatus, or system.

[0158] The invention further applies to a device, apparatus, or system comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

[0159] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.