Arrangement and method for dynamic illumination for animal rearing

Abstract

An arrangement (100) and a method (500) for controlling an illumination (110) of a poultry housing (120) arranged to house at least one poultry (130) are provided. The arrangement comprises a light source (200) arranged to emit light (210) and a controller (300) coupled to the light source. The controller is configured to control the light source to alternately transition between emission of scotopic light (400) and photopic light (410) at multiple transition times, Ti, for emission of the scotopic light during a plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, and for emission of the photopic light during a plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, wherein the controller is further configured to control the light source so that an accumulated amount of time, T1, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, increases with increasing gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, of the at least one poultry.

Description

[0001] Arrangement and method for dynamic illumination for animal rearing

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention generally relates to an arrangement and a method for dynamic illumination for animal rearing. More specifically, the present invention relates to an illumination control in order to optimize the rearing and / or growing of animals.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] There is a general need to increase the efficiency in the rearing and / or growing of animals, such as chicken.

[0006] US 2021 / 0195718 Al describes that the growing of broiler chickens benefits from varying the lighting environment of the (chicken) farm, as the lighting influences the feed intake by the animals. More specifically, the document describes chicken rearing by varying the lighting for the chicken by providing relatively dark light as well as relatively bright light, resulting in an ameliorated growth of the animals.

[0007] WO2019 / 072797A1 discloses a method of growing animals in a controlled environment using a lighting system, wherein the growth cycle for an animal comprises a plurality of periods, each period comprising at least one sub-period of darkness or dim light conditions, and at least one sub-period of light, wherein in at least two periods of the plurality of periods the animal is exposed to a different type of white light with a different white light spectrum during a sub-period of light.

[0008] H.A. Olanrewaju. et. al., “A review of Lighting Programs for Broiler Production”, International Journal of poultry science, 1 January 2006, pages 301 - 308, XP055713420, provides a review on changing photoperiods to influence broiler productivity and health in order to update research on lighting programs for broiler production and to give direction for future lighting research.

[0009] Kristensen Helle Halkjaer et. al., a review for the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety, 25 June 2008, XP055966117, provides a review of the effects of light intensity, gradual changes between light and dark and definition of darkness for the behavior and welfare of broiler chickens, laying hens, pullets and turkeys. Jacome IMTD et. al., “Influence of artificial lighting on the performance on the performance and egg quality of commercial layers: a review”, Revista Brasilieira de Ciencia Avicola, vol. 16, no. 4, 1 December 2014, pages 337 - 344, XP093193414, provides a review on artificial light programs for laying hens in order to simulate egg production.

[0010] There is a wish to even further ameliorate animal rearing by lighting control. In particular, it is desirable to even further improve the feed conversion ratio (FCR), i.e. the weight of feed intake divided by weight gained by the animal(s), as well as the growth control of the animal(s).

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement and a method which may optimize the FCR of livestock production and the growth control of livestock based on illumination control.

[0013] This and other objects are achieved by providing an arrangement and a method having the features in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an arrangement for controlling an illumination of a poultry housing arranged to house at least one poultry. The arrangement comprises at least one light source arranged to emit light, and a controller coupled to the at least one light source. The controller is configured to control the at least one light source to alternately transitioning between emission of scotopic light with a first luminous intensity, LI, below a first luminous intensity level, PL1, and photopic light with a second luminous intensity, L2, above a second luminous intensity level, PL2, at multiple transition times, Ti, during a predetermined time period, D, for emission of the scotopic light during a plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, and for emission of the photopic light during a plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, during the predetermined time period, D. The controller is further configured to control the at least one light source so that an accumulated amount of time, Tl, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, increases with increasing gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, of the at least one poultry. The controller may be coupled to the at least one light source via a wired connection or alternatively remotely coupled via wireless communication such as BLE, ZigBee, RF, Wi-Fi, VLC, Lo-Ra, etc.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an illumination of a poultry housing arranged to house at least one poultry and comprising at least one light source arranged to emit light. The method comprises controlling the at least one light source to alternately transitioning between emission of scotopic light with a first luminous intensity, LI, below a first luminous intensity level, PL1, and photopic light with a second luminous intensity, L2, above a second luminous intensity level, PL2, at multiple transition times, Ti, during a predetermined time period, D, for emission of the scotopic light during a plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, and for emission of the photopic light during a plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, during the predetermined time period, D. The method further comprises controlling the at least one light source so that an accumulated amount of time, Tl, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, increases with increasing gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, of the at least one poultry.

[0016] Thus, the present invention is based on the idea of providing an arrangement which is configured to provide a dynamic light emission (schedule, scheme, regime, recipe) for a poultry housing which alternates between scotopic light and photopic light, and wherein the accumulated amount of time, Tl, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, increases with the increasing gastrointestinal (gut) transit time, GTT, of the poultry. The arrangement may hereby achieve an optimal FCR and / or growth control of the poultry.

[0017] The present invention is advantageous in that the controller of the arrangement may conveniently control and / or adapt the illumination (lighting) of a poultry housing by alternating between periods of (relatively dark) scotopic light and periods of (relatively light) photopic light. The scotopic light periods lead to (quasi) immobility of the poultry, triggering resting or sleeping, whereas the photopic light periods lead to activity(ies) of the poultry such as eating, playing, and interacting. There is a strong link between the activities / moments of feeding and the resting behavior of the poultry, which is also coupled to the digestion process as controlled and guided by the parasympathetic nervous system. The arrangement of the present invention with its configured illumination or lighting setting (lighting schedule, lighting scheme) of alternating scotopic and photopic light, including an increase of the accumulated amount of time, Tl, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, with the increasing gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, of the poultry, may hereby efficiently and advantageously influence the poultry concerning its growth. In particular, the arrangement may optimize the digestion of the poultry via its lighting schedule, wherein the effect of an optimized digestion is an improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and growth cycle time reduction (efficiency).

[0018] The present invention is further advantageous in that the operation of the arrangement is particularly convenient concerning its input parameter(s) (animal- and / or environmental-related parameters) which may be known on beforehand (a priori). Instead of any necessity (ies) of poultry -related measurements, complex feedback control, etc., the presently disclosed arrangement provides a more facilitated and non-complex illumination control of a poultry housing.

[0019] The present invention is further advantageous in that the arrangement may conveniently and efficiently influence the growth of the poultry, which is associated with the FCR. It will be appreciated that the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, increases with age of the poultry, and the present invention consequently controls the light source(s) so the accumulated amount of time, Tl, of the scotopic light increases with the increasing age of the poultry.

[0020] The present invention is further advantageous in that the arrangement may contribute to an overall improved physiology of the poultry.

[0021] The present invention is further advantageous in that the arrangement may provide mortality control of the poultry.

[0022] There is provided an arrangement for controlling an illumination of a poultry housing arranged to house at least one poultry. By “poultry”, it is hereby meant domesticated birds, fowl, or the like. For example, “poultry” may encompass broiler chicken or pullets in their growing (pre-laying period). The arrangement comprises at least one light source arranged to emit light, and a controller coupled to the at least one light source. The at least one light source may be substantially any light source(s) arranged to emit light, such as one or more lamps, luminaires, etc.

[0023] By “controller”, it is meant substantially any means, unit, or the like, arranged or configured to control the light source(s) and / or the light emitted from the light source(s). The controller may be coupled or connected to the light source(s) via wire or wirelessly. The controller is configured to control the at least one light source to alternately transition between emission of scotopic light with a first luminous intensity, LI, below a first luminous intensity level, PL1, and photopic light with a second luminous intensity, L2, above a second luminous intensity level, PL2. By the term “alternately transition(ing)”, it is hereby meant that the controller is configured to control the light source(s) such that it (they) switch between the emission of scotopic light and the emission of photopic light. It will be appreciated that the controller may be configured to control the light source(s) such that it (they) may transition from the emission of scotopic light to the emission of photopic light, and vice versa, immediately, i.e. instantaneously, or be configured to control the light source(s) such that it (they) may transition from the emission of scotopic light to the emission of photopic light, and vice versa, with an intermission period therebetween.

[0024] By the term “scotopic light”, it is here meant (complete) darkness or dim light conditions. Hence, “scotopic light” may represent a relatively low-level light. Hence, the wording “emission of scotopic light” includes that no light is emitted, i.e. darkness. By the term “photopic light”, it is here meant (bright) light conditions. Hence, “photopic light” may represent a relatively high-level light. The light intensity of the scotopic light may be in the range of 0 - 5 lux, preferably in the range of 0 - 3 lux, alternatively in the range of 0 - 1 lux, such as approximately 1 lux. The light intensity of the photopic light may be 10 lux or higher, such as in the range of 10 - 20 lux.

[0025] The controller is configured to control the at least one light source to alternately transition between emission of scotopic light to the emission of photopic light at multiple transition times, Ti, during a predetermined time period, D, for emission of the scotopic light during a plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, and for emission of the photopic light during a plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, during the predetermined time period, D. By the term “transition time”, it is here meant a time (point) for a transition between emission of scotopic light to emission of photopic light, and vice versa, i.e., a time (point) for a transition between emission of photopic light to emission of scotopic light and transition between emission of scotopic light to emission of photopic light. The controller is further configured to control the at least one light source so that an accumulated amount of time, Tl, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, increases with increasing gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, of the at least one poultry. “Gastrointestinal transit time, GTT” refers to the duration it takes for feed to travel through the entire gastrointestinal tract (of the poultry), from the mouth to the anal canal and eventually out as faeces. The term white light herein, especially relates to light having a correlated color temperature (CCT) between about 2000 and 10000 K, especially in the range of about 2700 K and 6500 K, and especially within about 15 SDCM (standard deviation of color matching) from the BBL (black body locus), especially within about 10 SDCM from the BBL (even more especially within about 5 SDCM from the BBL). A light source may also refer to a plurality of (different) light sources. For example, the light source may be (a plurality) of solid-state light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a so-called chip-on-board (COB) light source. The term “COB” especially refers to LED chips in the form of a semiconductor chip that is neither encased nor connected but directly mounted onto a substrate, such as a printed circuit board. Hence, a plurality of solid-state light sources may be configured on the same substrate. In embodiments, a COB is a multi-LED chip configured together as a single lighting module. The term “light source” may also relate to a plurality of light sources, such as 2-2000 solid state light sources.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the number of transition times, Ti, may fulfil Ti=2 floor(MD / (GTT+MFP)), wherein the number of minutes, MD, in the predetermined time period, D, is a constant, and wherein the minimal feeding period, MFP, and the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, are predetermined non-zero time periods in minutes. Each scotopic light time period of the plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, may be equal to or smaller than the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, and each photopic light time period of the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, may be equal to or larger than the minimal feeding period, MFP. Hence, the number of transition times, Ti, to alternately transition between emission of scotopic light and photopic light, is rounded down to the nearest integer by the ‘floor’ function, the number of transition times, Ti, is proportional to the number of minutes, MD, in the predetermined time period, D, and number of transition times, Ti, is inversely proportional to the sum of the minimal feeding period, MFP, and the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT. By the term “minimal [minimum] feeding period, MFP”, it is here meant a (time) period needed for the poultry to consume the provided feed (in case of restricted / scheduled feeding) or to consume sufficient feed to be satisfied or ‘full’ (in case of ad libitum feeding). Hence, the number of transition times, Ti, increases with the (increasing) number of minutes, MD, in the predetermined time period, D, and decreases with the (increasing) sum of the minimal feeding period, MFP, and the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT. It should be noted that the scotopic light periods lead to (quasi) immobility of the poultry, triggering resting or sleeping, and that feed ingestion is (in principle) completely stopped. Hence, the physiology of the poultry (predominantly the gastro-intestinal system) can concentrate on the digestion metabolism, whereby the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, corresponds (approximately) to (each) scotopic light time period, whereby each scotopic light time period of the plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi < the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, according to the present embodiment. Furthermore, as the photopic light periods lead to activity(ies) of the poultry such as eating, each photopic light time period of the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, may be (substantially) equal to the minimal feeding period, MFP. By this relationship, i.e. that each photopic light time period of the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, is (substantially) equal to the minimal feeding period, MFP, the at least one poultry has (have) sufficient time to eat. It is preferred that the controller of the arrangement provides at least two scotopic light time periods, STi, and at least two photopic light time periods, PTi. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the number of transition times, Ti, to alternately transition between emission of scotopic light and photopic light is conveniently adjusted and / or controlled by the inputs of the number of minutes, MD, in the predetermined time period, D, the minimal feeding period, MFP, and the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, and that the number of number of transition times, Ti, according to the formula for controlling the scotopic / photopic light change even further improves the FCR.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a remaining period, RP, in the predetermined time period, D, may fulfil RP=MD - 0.5 Ti (GTT + MFP), and wherein the remaining period, RP, in the predetermined time period, D, may be distributed homogenously or heterogeneously over the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi. Hence, by the term “remaining period, RP”, it is here meant the remainder of the predetermined time period, D, upon subtraction of the sum of the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, and the minimal feeding period, MFP, times the number of transition times, Ti, according to the formula. The remaining period, RP, may be distributed homogeneously (i.e. equally divided or distributed) over the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi. Alternatively, the remaining period, RP, may be distributed heterogeneously (i.e. non- equally) over the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, e.g. by the remaining period, RP, being (completely) added to one photopic light time period. According to another example, the remaining period, RP, in the predetermined time period, D, may be distributed homogenously or heterogeneously over the plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi. Alternatively, the remaining period, RP, may be distributed heterogeneously (i.e. non- equally) over the plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, e.g. by the remaining period, RP, being (completely) added to one scotopic light time period.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the number of transition times, Ti, may fulfil Ti=2- [floor(MD - (MDP + MFP)) / (GTT + MFP)) + 1], wherein the number of minutes, MD, in the predetermined time period, D, is a constant, and wherein the minimal feeding period, MFP, the dark period, MDP, and the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, are predetermined non-zero time periods in minutes. Each scotopic light time period of the plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, may be equal to or smaller than the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, and each photopic light time period of the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, may be equal to the minimal feeding period, MFP. By the term “dark period, MDP”, it is here meant a (mandatory) dark period as a set resting / sleep period for the poultry in order to provide and maintain the welfare of the poultry. Furthermore, the “dark period, MDP” may further encompass a time period for a person (e.g. farmer) for inspection, maintenance, etc., of the poultry housing and / or poultry, such as removal of dead poultry. It will be appreciated that the dark period, MDP, may preferably be linked to the preferences of a poultry housing caretaker (e.g. farmer) and / or the lifecycle of the poultry. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the number of transition times, Ti, to alternately transition between emission of scotopic light and photopic light is conveniently adjusted and / or controlled by the inputs (parameters) of the formula, also taking into account the (mandatory) dark period, MDP. It is preferred that the number of transition times, Ti, is at least 2, i.e. that the controller of the arrangement provides at least two scotopic light time periods, STi, and at least two photopic light time periods, PTi. The present embodiment is advantageous in that a high FCR may be achieved via the dynamic illumination control whilst ensuring the poultry’s welfare. According to an example of the present invention, the controller may be configured to control the at least one light source to provide a light period, MLP. By the term “light period, MLP”, it is here meant a light period which may be selected or timed. The light period, MLP, may advantageously be used by a person (e.g., farmer), e.g. for reasons of (an increased) overview, improved workflow, etc. For example, the light period, MLP, may be selected or timed during working hours, whereby the person (e.g. farmer) may perform any tasks such as inspection, maintenance, inspection round(s) to check the conditions of the poultry, etc.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a remaining period, RP, in the predetermined time period, D, may fulfil RP=MD - (MDP + MFP) - (0.5 (Ti - 2) (GTT + MFP)), and wherein the remaining period, RP, in the predetermined time period, D, is distributed homogeneously or heterogeneously over the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi. Hence, the term “remaining period, RP” in this context means the remainder of the number of minutes, MD, in the predetermined time period, D, upon subtraction of the sum of the dark period, MDP, and the minimal feeding period, MFP, and upon subtraction of the sum of the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, and the minimal feeding period, MFP, times half of the number of transition times, Ti, minus 2, according to the formula. The remaining period, RP, may be distributed homogeneously (i.e. equally divided or distributed) over the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi. Alternatively, the remaining period, RP, may be distributed heterogeneously (i.e. non-equally) over the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, e.g. by the remaining period, RP, being (completely) added to one photopic light time period. According to another example, the remaining period, RP, in the predetermined time period, D, may be distributed homogenously or heterogeneously over the plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi. Alternatively, the remaining period, RP, may be distributed heterogeneously (i.e. non-equally) over the plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, e.g. by the remaining period, RP, being (completely) added to one scotopic light time period.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the minimal feeding period, MFP, may be determined based on at least one of a manual input, a sensor input, a predetermined time schedule, and a time period associated with an average time between start and finish of the at least one poultry feeding. Hence, the minimal feeding period, MFP, may be determined based on one or more of a manual (e.g. operator) input, sensor input, a predetermined time schedule, and an average time for the poultry(ies) feeding. The present embodiment hereby provides a versatility in determining the minimal feeding period, MFP, which in turn is used for the determination of the number of transition times, Ti, for alternately transitioning between emission of scotopic and photopic light during the light setting (schedule) of the poultry housing.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a ratio, R, between the accumulated amount of time, Tl, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, and an accumulated amount of time, T2, of the photopic light time periods, PTi, during the predetermined time period, D, may fulfill 1.0 < R < 1.5, if the age, A, of the at least one poultry is below the first threshold age, TAi, and 1.5 < R < 2.0, if the age, A, of the at least one poultry is above a second threshold age, TA2, wherein TAi < TA2. Hence, in the present embodiment, the older the at least one poultry becomes, the longer the scotopic light time periods, STi, become in relation to the photopic light time periods, PTi. In other words, the “dark / light” ratio, R, between the accumulated times of the scotopic light time periods, STi, and the photopic light time periods, PTi, increases with age of the at least one poultry. The present embodiment is advantageous in that this customized light setting provided by the arrangement optimizes the digestion (i.e. that the feed is maximally processed in the body and converted into meat and energy) of the poultry as a function of age, leading to an improved FCR and / or an overall improved physiology of the poultry.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller may be further configured to control the at least one light source to emit the scotopic light during a dark period, DP, wherein the dark period, DP, is in the range of 2 - 5 hours, preferably in the range of 3 - 5 hours. The term “dark period” may alternatively be denoted “mandatory dark period”. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the controller may conveniently set (control) a (mandatory) dark period as a set resting / sleep period in the range of 3-5 hours for the poultry in order to safeguard the welfare of the poultry.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined time period, D, may be a day. Hence, the predetermined time period, may be 24 hours. The present embodiment is advantageous by the convenience of the predetermined time period, D, being 24 hours (1440 min), resulting in a control of the illumination of the poultry housing including the alternate transition between emission of scotopic and photopic light occurring at the same time points regularly on a day-to-day basis. Hence, this consistency of the reiteration of the illumination control of the poultry housing may result in an even more stable growth of the poultry.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller may be further configured to gradually modify the control of the at least one light source on a daily basis. In other words, the controller may be configured to modify the light schedule via the light source(s) gradually on a daily basis. For example, the gradual modification may even be performed on a minute level. The present embodiment is advantageous in that it keeps the light setting (schedule) and the circadian rhythm of the at least one poultry linked. It should be noted that in case of a non-gradual modification of the light setting, there may be a risk of offsets between the scotopic / photopic schedule and circadian rhythm. Furthermore, there may even be a risk of the appetite of the poultry being negatively affected during period(s) that the poultry are supposed to eat (take in feed in optimal amounts) in case of a non-gradual modification of the light setting. In contrast, by the present embodiment of a gradual modification of the light source(s), and consequently, the light setting (schedule) thereof, the growth of the poultry and / or FCR is (are) positively affected.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller may be further configured to control the at least one light source as a function of at least one genetic characteristic of the at least one poultry. The at least one genetic characteristic of the at least one poultry may comprise at least one of breed of the at least one poultry, and nominal age of the at least one poultry at a start, by the controller, of the control of the at least one light source. By the term “genetic characteristic”, it is here meant substantially any characteristic, feature, etc., associated with the genetics of the poultry, whereby the embodiment specifies the genetic characteristics as the poultry’s breed (e.g. fast-growing breed or slow-growing breed) and / or nominal age of the poultry (ies) at a start, by the controller, of the control of the light source(s). Hence, based on the genetic characteristic(s) of the poultry, the controller may control the light source(s) to transition between the emission of scotopic and photopic light and to control the light source(s) so that an accumulated amount of time, Tl, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, increases with increasing gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, of the poultry. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the controller may conveniently control and / or adapt the (light emission of the) light source(s) to the poultry genetic characteristic(s) such as the breed and / or nominal age of the poultry in a customized manner. The present embodiment is further advantageous in that the adapted / customized control of the light source(s) dependently on the genetic characteristic(s) of the poultry may even further improve the growth and / or FCR of the poultry. For example, a genetic characteristic of a (first) poultry (i.e. a (first) breed) may be reared more advantageously by a (first) light source control (i.e. a (first) light setting or schedule) via the controller compared to a (second) light source control (i.e. a (second) light setting or schedule) being more favorable for a genetic characteristic of a (second) poultry (i.e. a (second) breed).

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller may be further configured to control the at least one light source as a function of at least one environmental property of the poultry housing, wherein the at least one environmental property of the poultry housing comprises at least one of ambient light level, temperature, T, relative humidity, RH, carbon dioxide, CO2, concentration, and a dust level, DL. Hence, the controller is configured to control the light source(s) as a function of one or more environmental properties of the poultry housing, including the poultry housing’s ambient light level, AMB, acoustic level, AL, temperature, T, relative humidity, RH, carbon dioxide, CO2, concentration, and / or dust level, DL. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the controller may conveniently and efficiently control the light source(s), and the light setting or schedule thereof, as a function of (based) on environmental input parameters of the poultry housing. Consequently, this customized light setting provided by the controller based on the poultry housing’s environmental properties may even further augment the poultry growth and / or even further improve the FCR. For example, the ambient light level, AMB, of the poultry housing may be used by the controller to control / set the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi. More specifically, a daylight harvesting may be used by the controller to plan photopic light time periods when much natural light is present and scotopic light at night. According to yet another example, the controller may be further configured to control the at least one light source as a function of at least one characteristics of the day. For example, if the daytime is sunny and / or hot, and the nighttime is dark and / or cold, the feeding behavior of the poultry (e.g. the time needed to feed) and / or physiology (e.g. related to cold nights) may be affected, and the controller may hereby use this characteristic(s) as (an) input(s).

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller may be further configured to control the at least one light source as a function of a feed composition provided to the at least one poultry. By the term “feed composition”, it is here meant e.g. the type, content, composition, etc., of the feed. It will be appreciated that the feed composition may influence (impact) the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, and the present embodiment is advantageous in that the arrangement may hereby adapt or control the light source(s) accordingly in order to optimize the FCR. The controller may furthermore be configured to control the at least one light source as a function of the amount and / or composition of the feed provided to the at least one poultry over time. As the feed type, composition and / or amount may change over the poultry lifecycle, the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, may accordingly be influenced, and the arrangement according to the present embodiment may hereby adapt or control the light source(s) accordingly in order to optimize the poultry growth and / or FCR.

[0038] According to an example of the present invention, the controller may be further configured to control the at least one light source as a function of at least one of an activity level of the at least one poultry, intake by the at least one poultry of feed and / or water, and measurement of growth of the at least one poultry. The arrangement may be configured to monitor the activity level of the at least one poultry and / or intake by the at least one poultry of feed and / or water in real time, e.g. via one or more cameras and / or RF sensing equipment / method(s). Such monitoring of the at least one poultry may for example be achieved in the vicinity of feeders and / or drinkers, whereby the arrangement may assess the activity level of the poultry. The controller may be further configured to control the at least one light source as a function of a wellbeing of the at least one poultry. This (these) example(s) of the arrangement as listed may even further augment the poultry growth and / or even further improve the FCR.

[0039] According to an example of the present invention, the controller may be further configured to control the at least one light source as a function of changes of the poultry population (in the poultry housing). Examples of changes of the poultry population may comprise e.g. a density of poultry on the poultry housing floor, intermediate harvesting, disease management-related events such as (non-planned) medication provision, etc. It will be appreciated that the density of poultry on the poultry housing floor may influence the minimal feeding period, MFP, as a low (high) density may lead to an improved (deteriorated) access to feeding pans, and the controller may use this information upon its light source control. By the arrangement’s ability to adjust the illumination control with respect to the poultry population change(s), the growth of the poultry and / or the FCR may be improved even further.

[0040] According to an example of the present invention, the accumulated amount of time, Tl, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, may be at least 6 hours. The present example is advantageous in that the (minimum) time of 6 hours of accumulated dark periods provided by the scotopic light periods for the resting or sleeping of the poultry safeguards the welfare of the poultry.

[0041] According to an example of the present invention, the scotopic light has a first spectral power distribution, the photopic light has a second spectral power distribution, and wherein the second spectral power distribution is different from the first spectral power distribution. For example, the photopic light may be white light and the scotopic light may be ultraviolet light, such as ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength in the UV-A wavelength range of 315 - 400 nm. The present example is advantageous, because the emitted ultraviolet light enables (awaken) birds to still see the space (or the environment) of the poultry housing during the predetermined period of dark, and thereby enable to more efficiently feed and drink during the dark, without any disturbance to the entrained circadian rhythm (i.e. day / night cycle) nor their melatonin cycle.

[0042] According to an example of the present invention, the arrangement may comprise a plurality of light sources that are mounted on a support line in the poultry housing, such as on a feeding line, on a watering line, or on a shocker wire mounted on a feeding line. Because a feeding line, and / or a watering line, and / or a shocker wire may increase in height relative to the floor of the poultry housing while a flock of birds grow in the poultry housing, any lighting devices mounted to said feeding line, watering line, and / or shocker wire may be adjusted (increase or decrease) in distance relative to the floor of the poultry housing as well.

[0043] According to an example of the present invention, the at least one poultry may be a broiler chicken. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the arrangement’s features including the control of the light source(s) to transition between the emission of scotopic and photopic light and the control of the light source(s) so that an accumulated amount of time, Tl, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, increases with increasing gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, of the poultry, is particularly suitable for the poultry being broiler chicken. Further objectives of, features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will realize that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following.

[0044] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.

[0046] Fig. la schematically shows an arrangement according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,

[0047] Figs, lb and 1c show schematic diagrams of a light emission by an arrangement according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,

[0048] Fig. Id schematically shows a light emission by an arrangement according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,

[0049] Fig. le shows a schematic diagram of an accumulated amount of time of scotopic light time periods according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,

[0050] Fig. If schematically shows a portion of an arrangement according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,

[0051] Figs. 2a-2c schematically show light emission schedules provided by the arrangement according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention,

[0052] Fig. 3 schematically shows an arrangement according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention, and

[0053] Fig. 4 schematically shows a method according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Fig. la schematically shows an arrangement 100 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. The arrangement 100 is arranged (configured) to control an illumination (lighting) 110 of a poultry housing 120 arranged to house at least one poultry 130. In Fig. 1, the poultry housing 120 is merely schematically disclosed, and it should be noted that the poultry housing 120 may have many different configurations and / or shapes. The poultry(ies) 130 (is) are exemplified as broiler chicken, but it should be noted that other domesticated birds, poultry or fowl species are feasible. The arrangement 100 comprises at least one light source 200 arranged to emit light 210. The light source 200 in Fig. 1 is exemplified as a luminaire, but may alternatively be substantially any kind of light source(s) arranged to emit light, such as one or more lamps, etc. The arrangement 100 comprises a controller 300, which is schematically indicated in Fig. 1. The controller 300, which is coupled or connected (by wire or wirelessly) to the light source(s) 200, may be positioned or arranged substantially anywhere within or outside the poultry housing 120. The controller 300 is configured to control the light source(s) 200 to alternately transition between emission of scotopic (relatively dark) light, i.e. darkness or dim light conditions, and photopic (relatively bright) light, i.e. bright light conditions. In an embodiment, the scotopic light has a first spectral power distribution, the photopic light has a second spectral power distribution, and wherein the second spectral power distribution is different from the first spectral power distribution. For example, the photopic light may be white light and the scotopic light may be ultraviolet light, such as ultraviolet light in the UV-A wavelength range of 315 - 400 nm. In an embodiment, the light intensity of the scotopic light is in the range of 0 - 5 lux, preferably in the range of 1 - 5 lux, alternatively in the range of 0 - 1 lux. In an embodiment, the light intensity of the photopic light is 10 lux or higher, preferably in the range of 10 - 20 lux.

[0056] Fig. lb shows a schematic diagram of an emission (intensity, I, as a function of time, t, in arbitrary units) which alternates between scotopic (relatively dark) light 400 and photopic (relatively bright) light 410 according to the operation of the arrangement of the present invention. The controller 300 of the arrangement 100, according to Fig. la and the associated text, is configured to control the light source(s) 200 to alternately transition between emission of scotopic light 400 with a first luminous intensity, LI, below a first luminous intensity level, PL1, and photopic light 410 with a second luminous intensity, L2, above a second luminous intensity level, PL2. Albeit Fig. lb shows that LI < PL1 < PL2 < L2, it should be noted that Fig. lb is not to scale. For example, the level difference between the first luminous intensity level, PL1, and the second luminous intensity level, PL2, is not to scale, nor the relation between the first luminous intensity, LI, and the first luminous intensity level, PL1, or between the second luminous intensity, L2, and the second luminous intensity level, PL2.

[0057] Fig. 1c shows a schematic diagram of an emission (intensity, I, as a function of time, t, in arbitrary units) which alternates between scotopic (relatively dark) light 400 and photopic (relatively bright) light 410 according to the operation of the arrangement of the present invention. Fig. 1c corresponds to Fig. lb, but with the difference that the emission of scotopic light 400 with a first luminous intensity, LI, may be at a zero level (or almost zero level) of the first luminous intensity, LI.

[0058] Fig. Id schematically shows a light emission by the arrangement 100 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. It is further referred to Fig. la and / or Fig. lb, and the associated text(s), for an increased understanding of the features and functions of the arrangement 100. The controller 300 of the arrangement 100 is configured to control the light source(s) 200 to alternately transition (switch) between emission of scotopic light 400, being relatively dark, and photopic light 410, being relatively bright. In Fig. Id, it is shown that the controller 300 controls the light source(s) 200 such that it (they) transition from the emission of scotopic light 400 to the emission of photopic light 410, and vice versa, immediately, i.e. instantaneously. However, the controller 300 may alternatively be configured to control the light source(s) 200 such that it (they) may transition from the emission of scotopic light 400 to the emission of photopic light 410, and vice versa, with an intermission period therebetween. The controller 300 is configured to control the light source(s) 200 to alternately transition between emission of scotopic light 400 to the emission of photopic light 410 at multiple transition times, Ti, during a predetermined time period, D, for emission of the scotopic light 400 during a plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, and for emission of the photopic light 410 during a plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, during the predetermined time period, D.

[0059] According to the example of Fig. Id, the controller 300 may further be configured to control the at least one light source 200 to emit the scotopic light 400 during a first (initial) scotopic light time period, STi, of the plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, which is indicated at the left-hand side of Fig. Id. The first (initial) scotopic light time period, STi, which may be denoted as a (mandatory) dark period, MDP, may be in the range of 3-5 hour. Furthermore, the first (initial) scotopic light time period, STi, may be preceded by an (initial) photopic light time period, PTi, as indicated in Fig Id.

[0060] In Fig. Id, the number of transition times, Ti, fulfills Ti=2- [floor(MD - (MDP + MFP)) / (GTT + MFP)) + 1], wherein the number of minutes, MD, in the predetermined time period, D, is a constant, and wherein the minimal feeding period, MFP, the dark period, MDP, and the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, are predetermined non-zero time periods in minutes. According to the example of Fig. Id, MD=1440 min, MDP=240 min, MFP=60 min and GTT=170 min, corresponding to the age of the at least one poultry 130 being less than 2.5 weeks. This leads to the number of transition times, Ti, being 10, the number of scotopic light time periods, STi, being 5, i.e. ST1-ST5 as indicated (whereby the (first) scotopic light time period, STi, constitutes the (mandatory) dark period, MDP) and the number of photopic light time periods, PTi, being 5, i.e. PT1-PT5 as indicated. The predetermined time period, D, may be a day, i.e. 24 h (1440 min). Furthermore, each scotopic light time period of the plurality of scotopic periods, STi, is equal to or smaller than the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT. Hence, and according to the example of Fig. Id, each scotopic light time period is < GTT=170 min (2h 50 min). Furthermore, each photopic light time period of the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, is equal to the minimal feeding period, MFP. Hence, and according to the example of Fig. Id, each photopic light time period is equal (or approximately equal) to MFP=60 min (Ih). In any case, it is preferred that the controller 300 of the arrangement 100 provides at least two scotopic light time periods, and at least two photopic light time periods. The minimal feeding period, MFP, may be determined based on a manual input, a predetermined time schedule, and / or a time period associated with an average time between start and finish of the poultry 130 feeding.

[0061] It will be appreciated that in case the lighting schedule or scheme provided by the arrangement 100 would be without any (mandatory) dark period, MDP, the number of transition times, Ti, would fulfill Ti=2 ftoor(MD / (GTT+MFP)). With the same parameters as previously, the number of transition times, Ti, would thereby be Ti=12 (not shown).

[0062] In Fig. Id, a remaining period, RP, in the predetermined time period, D, fulfills RP=MD - (MDP + MFP) - (0.5 (Ti - 2) (GTT + MFP)), and wherein the remaining period, RP, in the predetermined time period, D, is distributed homogeneously or heterogeneously over the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi. According to the example of Fig. Id, MD=1440 min, MDP=240 min, MFP=60 min, GTT=170 min, and Ti = 10, resulting in that the remaining period, RP, becomes 220 min (3h 40 min). This remaining period, RP, may be distributed homogeneously (i.e. equally divided or distributed) over the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi. Alternatively, the remaining period, RP, may be distributed heterogeneously (i.e. non-equally) over the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, e.g. by the remaining period, RP, being (completely) added to one photopic light time period. According to another example, the remaining period, RP, in the predetermined time period, D, may be distributed homogenously or heterogeneously over the plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi. Alternatively, the remaining period, RP, may be distributed heterogeneously (i.e. non-equally) over the plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, e.g. by the remaining period, RP, being (completely) added to one scotopic light time period.

[0063] It will be appreciated that in case the lighting schedule or scheme provided by the arrangement 100 would be without any (mandatory) dark period, MDP, the number of transition times, Ti, would fulfill Ti=2 floor(MD / (GTT+MFP)). With the same parameters as previously, the number of transition times, Ti, would thereby be Ti=12 (not shown).

[0064] Fig. le shows a schematic diagram of an accumulated amount of time, Tl= 2 STi, of scotopic light time periods, STi, according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. The controller 300 of the arrangement 100 is configured to control the light source(s) 200 of the arrangement 100 so that an accumulated amount of time, TI, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, increases with increasing gastrointestinal transit time, GTT (which in turn increases with the age) of the at least one poultry 130. It will be appreciated that the diagram of Fig. le is not to scale, nor that the increase of the accumulated amount of time, TI, (necessarily) is linear with the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT (and / or age) of the poultry 130. Instead, the purpose of the diagram is to show that an accumulated amount of time, TI, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, increases with gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, of the at least one poultry.

[0065] Fig. If schematically shows a portion of an arrangement 100 according to an example of the present invention, and it is also referred to Fig. la and the associated text for an increased understanding. The arrangement 100 is arranged (configured) to control an illumination (lighting) 110 of a poultry housing arranged to house at least one poultry 130. A plurality of feedings pans 205 for the at least one poultry 130 is indicated in the figure. Here, the plurality of light sources 200 is mounted on a support line in the poultry housing, such as on a feeding line 216, on a watering line, or on a shocker wire 217 mounted on a feeding line 216. Because a feeding line, a watering line and / or a shocker wire may increase in height relative to the floor 221 of the poultry housing while a flock of birds grow in the poultry housing, any lighting devices or sources 200 mounted to said feeding line, watering line, and / or shocker wire may be adjusted (increase or decrease) in distance relative to the floor 221 of the poultry housing as well.

[0066] Fig. 2a schematically shows three different light emission schedules or schemes i), ii), iii) provided by the arrangement 100 according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention. It is further referred to one or more of Figs, la-d, and the associated text(s), for an increased understanding of the features and functions of the arrangement 100. The controller 300 of the arrangement 100 is configured to control the light source(s) 200 to alternately transition (switch) between emission of scotopic light 400 and photopic light 410 at multiple transition times, Ti, during a predetermined time period, D, for emission of the scotopic light 400 during a plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, and for emission of the photopic light 410 during a plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, during the predetermined time period, D. The three different light emission schedules or schemes i), ii), iii) by the arrangement 100 shown in Fig. 2a are controlled by the parameters in Table 1.

[0067] Table 1

[0068] By “equal feed period” (which alternatively could be denoted “uniformly distributed feed period”) it is here meant that each feeding period has the same duration. From Table 1, and as shown in Fig. 2a, the number of transition times, Ti, for the alternating transition between emission of scotopic light 400 and the emission of photopic light 410 is the same (i.e. 10) for all ages (intervals) of the poultry 130 according to the light emission schedules or schemes i), ii), iii). It should be noted that an accumulated amount of time, Tl, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, increases with age, and correspondingly, the (increasing) gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, of the poultry 130, as Tl[i)] < Tl [ii)] < Tl [iii)]. According to an example, a ratio, R, between the accumulated amount of time, Tl, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, and an accumulated amount of time, T2, of the photopic light time periods, PTi, during the predetermined time period, D, may fulfill 1.0 < R < 1.5, if the age, A, of the poultry 130 is below a first threshold age, TAi. Furthermore, the ratio, R, may fulfill 1.5 < R < 2.0 if the age, A, of the poultry 130 is above a second threshold age, TA2 (e.g. in case the age of the poultry 130 is > 4 weeks.

[0069] Fig. 2b schematically shows three different light emission schedules or schemes i), ii), iii) provided by the arrangement 100 according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention. The three different light emission schedules or schemes i), ii), iii) by the arrangement 100 are controlled by Table 2. Table 2

[0070] The difference between Table 2 and Table 1 is the minimal feeding period, which is 60 min in Table 1 and 90 min in Table 2. From Table 2, and as shown in Fig. 2a, the number of transition times, Ti, for the alternating transition between emission of scotopic light 400 and the emission of photopic light 410 differs for the age (intervals) of the poultry. More specifically, for relatively young poultry of age < 2.5 weeks and with a relatively low gastrointestinal transfer time, GTT, of 170 min, the number of transition times, Ti, for the alternating transition between emission of scotopic light 400 and the emission of photopic light 410 is 10, whereas for older poultry of age 3.5 weeks or > 4 weeks, with gastrointestinal transfer time, GTT, of 195 min and 210 min, respectively, the number of transition times, Ti, is 8. In accordance with Fig. 2a, an accumulated amount of time, TI, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, of Fig. 2b increases with age, and correspondingly, the (increasing) gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, of the at least one poultry 130, as Tl[i)] < Tl[ii)] < Tl[iii)].

[0071] Fig. 2c schematically shows three different light emission schedules or schemes i), ii), iii) provided by the arrangement 100 according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention. The three different light emission schedules or schemes i), ii), iii) by the arrangement 100 are controlled by Table 3.

[0072] Table 3

[0073] The difference between Table 3 and Table 2 is the fixed start of the (mandatory dark period, MDP, which is not imposed (“N”) in Table 2 / Fig. 2b but is imposed (“Y”) in Table 2 / Fig. 2c. From Table 3, and as shown in Fig. 2c, the number of transition times, Ti, for the alternating transition between emission of scotopic light 400 and the emission of photopic light 410 differs for the age (intervals) of the poultry. More specifically, for relatively young poultry of age < 2.5 weeks and with a relatively low gastrointestinal transfer time, GTT, of 170 min, the number of transition times, Ti, for the alternating transition between emission of scotopic light 400 and the emission of photopic light 410 is 10, whereas for older poultry of age 3.5 weeks or > 4 weeks, with gastrointestinal transfer time, GTT, of 195 min and 210 min, respectively, the number of transition times, Ti, is 8. In accordance with Figs. 2a and 2b, an accumulated amount of time, TI, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, of Fig. 2c increases with age, and correspondingly, the (increasing) gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, of the at least one poultry 130, as Tl[i)] < Tl[ii)] < Tl[iii)].

[0074] An example of a hypothetical (but plausible) illumination control provided by an arrangement 100 according to the previous description is provided in the following. The example is described for poultry 130 consisting of fast-growing broiler chicken, with a life cycle in days from hatch to harvest to be 40 days. The start of the lifecycle is 1-day old chicks (imported from the hatchery). The illumination control provided by the arrangement 100 from day 1 to day 3 includes an accumulated amount of time, TI, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, of 1 hour, and accordingly, an accumulated amount of time of the photopic light time periods, PTi, of 23 hours. It should be noted that the start setting could have a major impact on the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, of the poultry 130 as it is preferable to allow a relatively long accumulated amount of time of the photopic light time periods, PTi, to allow the poultry 130 to find feed and drinking locations. At day 4, a grower feed is provided to the poultry 130, for which the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, (gradually) changes from

[0075] 2.5 hours for 3 day old chicks to 4 hours at the age of 25 days (adult phase), with the purpose to come as close as possible to the mentioned gastrointestinal transit times, GTTs, for the poultry’s digestion (dark) periods / phases, while maintaining a 24 hour circadian cycle. A (mandatory) dark period, MDP, of 4 hours may be set between 8 AM and 12 AM. The predetermined time period, D, of one day (24 hours) may be arranged at day 4 (taking as supposition that 1 hour of a photopic light time period is sufficient for ‘filling’ the poultry 130 with feed, before moving on to a scotopic light time period according to 4 hours of a photopic light time period followed by 2.5 hours of a scotopic light time period, whereby the remaining period, RP, in the predetermined time period, D, namely 24 hours - 6.5 hours =

[0076] 17.5 hours is split into 5 periods of 1 hour of a photopic light time period, and 2.5 hours of a scotopic light time period. A target schedule towards an adult phase of the poultry 130 may be 4 hours of a photopic light time period, followed by 4 hours of a scotopic light time period, whereby the remaining period, RP, in the predetermined time period, D, namely 24 hours - 8 hours = 16 hours, is split into 3 periods of 1.33 hours of a photopic light time period, and 4 hours of a scotopic light time period. The lighting control schedule of the arrangement 100 as presented should preferably be reached by ‘gradual’ changes, in which the number and lengths of the plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, and the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, are changed, as the gastrointestinal transfer time, GTT, also changes gradually (e.g., from the suggested 2.5 hours to 4 hours). Once the final setting is reached, the lighting control schedule may be maintained until the end (i.e. , until harvest evacuation). It should be noted that possible variations could encompass other feed types, e.g., at the age 25 days, as this could, for example, be based on additional fiber content of the feed, and impact the gastrointestinal transfer time, GTT, lowering of from 4 hours to 3.5 hours. Another option is an additional ultradian light cycling within the photopic light time periods, PTi. Another option may include feeding of the poultry 130 close to the transition times, Ti, between a scotopic light time period and a photopic light time period. Other options and / or factors could, for example, include the predetermined time period, D, being 23 hours - 25 / 26 hours, taking choices / preferences of the poultry caretaker (e.g. farmer) into account, such as e.g., time of visual control, restricted feeding moments (if such feeding scheme is preferred), and / or performing an optimization over time (flock-to-flock) for poultry housing (such as modifying the weighing percentage of the multiple parameters on the lighting scheme choice of the arrangement 100, based on an analysis of historical data of previous rearing cycles).

[0077] Fig. 3 schematically shows an arrangement 100 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. It will be appreciated that arrangement 100 of Fig. 3 has many features in common with the arrangement 100 of Fig. la, and it is referred to Fig. la and the associated text for an increased understanding of the features and / or functions of the arrangement 100.

[0078] In Fig. 3, the arrangement 100 is arranged (configured) to control an illumination (lighting) 110 of a poultry housing 120 arranged to house at least one poultry 130. The arrangement 100 comprises at least one light source 200 arranged to emit light 210. The arrangement 100 comprises a controller 300, which is schematically indicated in Fig. 3. The controller 300 is configured to control the light source(s) 200 to alternately transition between emission of scotopic (relatively dark) light and photopic (relatively bright) light. The controller 300 may be further configured to control the light source(s) 200 as a function of at least one genetic characteristic 510 of the poultry 130, such as breed, type, age, size, etc., of the poultry 130. Another example of genetic characteristic 510 of the poultry 130 may comprise nominal age(s) of the poultry 130 at a start, by the controller 300, of the control of the light source(s) 200. The controller 300 may further be configured to control the light source(s) 200 as a function of at least one environmental property 520 of the poultry housing 120. In Fig. 3, the environmental property 520 is schematically indicated by a dashed oval in the poultry housing 120. The environmental property(ies) of the poultry housing 120 may comprise one or more of ambient light level, AMB, acoustic level, AL, temperature, T, relative humidity, RH, carbon dioxide, CO2, concentration, ammonia, NH3, concentration, dust level, DL, etc. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 300 may further be configured to control the light source(s) 200 as a function of a feed composition 530 provided to the poultry 130. The feed composition 530 may, for example, represent the content of protein(s), fat(s), etc., of the feed.

[0079] Fig. 4 schematically shows a method 500 for controlling an illumination (lighting) of a poultry housing arranged to house at least one poultry and comprising at least one light source arranged to emit light. The method 500 comprises the step of controlling 510 the at least one light source to alternately transition between emission of scotopic light with a first luminous intensity, LI, below a first luminous intensity level, PL1, and photopic light with a second luminous intensity, L2, above a second luminous intensity level, PL2, at multiple transition times, Ti, during a predetermined time period, D, for emission of the scotopic light during a plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, and for emission of the photopic light during a plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, during the predetermined time period, D. The method 500 further comprises controlling 520 the at least one light source so that an accumulated amount of time, Tl, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, increases with the increasing gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, of the at least one poultry.

[0080] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the animal species may be different than that shown, the number and / or positions of the arrangement may be different than that disclosed / described, etc. . In the appended claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article ”a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. 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. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. 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%.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An arrangement (100) for controlling an illumination (110) of a poultry housing (120) arranged to house at least one poultry (130), comprising: at least one light source (200) arranged to emit light (210), a controller (300) coupled to the at least one light source, wherein the controller is configured to control the at least one light source to alternately transitioning between emission of: scotopic light (400) with a first luminous intensity, LI, below a first luminous intensity level, PL1, and photopic light (410) with a second luminous intensity, L2, above a second luminous intensity level, PL2, at multiple transition times, Ti, during a predetermined time period, D, for emission of the scotopic light during a plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, and for emission of the photopic light during a plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, during the predetermined time period, D, wherein the predetermined time period, D, is a day, wherein the controller is further configured to control the at least one light source so that an accumulated amount of time, Tl, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, increases with increasing gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, of the at least one poultry, wherein the number of transition times, Ti, fulfillsTi=2 (floor(MD / (GTT+MFP))) or Ti=2 [(floor(MD - (MDP + MFP)) / (GTT+ MFP)) + 1], wherein the number of minutes, MD, in the predetermined time period, D, is a constant, and wherein the minimal feeding period, MFP, the dark period, MDP, and the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, are predetermined non-zero time periods in minutes, and wherein each scotopic light time period of the plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, is equal to or smaller than the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, and each photopic light time period of the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, is equal to or larger than the minimal feeding period, MFP.

2. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a remaining period, RP, in the predetermined time period, D, fulfillsRP=MD - 0.5 Ti (GTT + MFP), and wherein the remaining period in the predetermined time period, D, is distributed homogenously or heterogeneously over the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi.

3. The arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a remaining period, RP, in the predetermined time period, D, fulfillsRF=MD - (MDP + MFP) - (0.5 (Ti - 2) (GTT + MFP)), and wherein the remaining period, RP, in the predetermined time period, D, is distributed homogeneously or heterogeneously over the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi.

4. The arrangement according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the minimal feeding period, MFP, is determined based on at least one of a manual input, a sensor input, a predetermined time schedule, and a time period associated with an average time between start and finish of the at least one poultry feeding.

5. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio, R, between the accumulated amount of time, Tl, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, and an accumulated amount of time, T2, of the photopic light time periods, PTi, during the predetermined time period, D, fulfills1.0 < R < 1.5, if the age, A, of the at least one poultry is below a first threshold age, TAi, and1.5 < R < 2.0, if the age, A, of the at least one poultry is above a second threshold age, TA2, wherein TAi < TA2.

6. The arrangement according to the preceding claims, wherein the controller is further configured to control the at least one light source to emit the scotopic light during a dark period, DP, wherein the dark period, DP, is in the range of 2-5 hour.

7. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first luminous intensity level, PL1, is 5 lux.

8. The arrangement according to the preceding claims, wherein the second luminous intensity, L2 is 10 lux.

9. The arrangement according to the preceding claims, wherein the photopic light is white light and the scotopic light is ultraviolet light in the UV-A wavelength range of 315- 400 nm.

10. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is further configured to gradually modify the control of the at least one light source on a daily basis.

11. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is further configured to control the at least one light source as a function of at least one genetic characteristic (510) of the at least one poultry, wherein the at least one genetic characteristic of the at least one poultry comprises at least one of breed of the at least one poultry, and nominal age of the at least one poultry at a start, by the controller, of the control of the at least one light source.

12. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is further configured to control the at least one light source as a function of at least one environmental property (520) of the poultry housing, and wherein the at least one environmental property of the poultry housing comprises at least one of ambient light level, AMB, acoustic level, AL, temperature, T, relative humidity, RH,carbon dioxide, CO2, concentration, and a dust level, DL.

13. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is further configured to control the at least one light source as a function of a feed composition provided to the at least one poultry.

14. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the scotopic light (400) has a first spectral power distribution, wherein photopic light (410) has a second spectral power distribution, and wherein the second spectral power distribution is different from the first spectral power distribution.

15. A method (500) for controlling an illumination (110) of a poultry housing (120) arranged to house at least one poultry (130) and comprising at least one light source (200) arranged to emit light (210), wherein the method comprises: controlling (510) the at least one light source to alternately transitioning between emission of scotopic light (400) with a first luminous intensity, LI, below a first luminous intensity level, PL1, and photopic light (410) with a second luminous intensity, L2, above a second luminous intensity level, PL2, at multiple transition times, Ti, during a predetermined time period, D, for emission of the scotopic light during a plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, and for emission of the photopic light during a plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, during the predetermined time period, D, wherein the predetermined time period, D, is a day, controlling (520) the at least one light source so that an accumulated amount of time, Tl, of the scotopic light time periods, STi, during the predetermined time period, D, increases with increasing gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, of the at least one poultry, wherein the number of transition times, Ti, fulfillsTi=2 (floor(MD / (GTT+MFP))) or Ti=2 [(floor(MD - (MDP + MFP)) / (GTT+ MFP)) + 1],wherein the number of minutes, MD, in the predetermined time period, D, is a constant, and wherein the minimal feeding period, MFP, the dark period, MDP, and the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, are predetermined non-zero time periods in minutes, and wherein each scotopic light time period of the plurality of scotopic light time periods, STi, is equal to or smaller than the gastrointestinal transit time, GTT, and each photopic light time period of the plurality of photopic light time periods, PTi, is equal to or larger than the minimal feeding period, MFP.

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