Growth hormone, glucocorticoid and thyroxine response to duration, intensity and wavelength of light in prepubertal bulls.

Effects of duration, intensity and wavelength of light on growth hormone (GH), glucocorticoids, thyrotropin (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations in serum were determined in prepubertal bulls maintained at 18 to 22 C and 60 tp 70% relative humidity. Mean GH was 8.3 +/- .

Supplemental lighting stimulates growth and lactation in cattle.

Sixteen hours of light daily (114 to 207 lux) increased weight gains and milk yield 10 to 15% in Holstein cattle in comparison with cattle exposed to natural-length photoperiods (39 to 93 lux) of 9 to 12 hours. The weight gain was accomplished without increased consumption of feed. Manipulation of supplemental light may thus cause dramatic increases in food supplies from animals.