EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – Signify recently introduced a new product, Optient, a lighting solution focused on optimizing animal health and productivity for the poultry industry.

The product was developed with Tyson Foods to improve animal welfare and feed conversion to reduce energy usage.

Optient uses non-uniform or gradient lighting to mimic the varied lighting environments found in the wild to help promote the natural behavior of chickens to keep flocks calm and stress-free. By utilizing energy-efficient LED technology. It can also reduce energy usage by up to 70%.

“Optient is a revolutionary system,” said Jeffrey Lewis, general manager of Signify’s agriculture division. “Designed with the welfare of poultry in mind, it creates lighting gradients across the barn floor enabling the birds to choose their preferred light intensity, leading to a happier and healthier flock. Our engineers, scientists and account managers have worked together to create this solution to fit Tyson Foods’ need for responsible and sustainable farming.”

The design for the lighting system comes from research and development from Signify’s team of experts along with studies originating from the University of Arkansas by then-Associate Professor Karen Christensen.

The research found that when given a choice in light intensities, chickens preferred to eat in the bright light and then move to dimmer areas to feel safer and rest.

 “In today’s world, food companies must keep pace with population growth and increased food demand, especially in animal protein, while having animal welfare and climate risks and opportunities at front of mind,” said Karen Christensen, senior director of animal welfare at Tyson Foods. “Engaging supply chain partners, such as Signify, who can deliver innovative solutions to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while enabling us to improve animal welfare and bring high-quality animal protein to our customers sustainably and affordably, is a must.”

Christensen also stated that Tyson’s studies found that birds prefer brighter light intensity when they are young and a gradient of light intensities as they grow older.

“This provides the birds with a bit of control over their environment and choices,” she said. “Gradient lighting is the future for broiler farming as you can give the birds a choice in lighting environment. This in turn allows the chickens to express more natural behaviors and promotes healthy growth at every stage in their life on the farm.”

Signify noted that it continues to carry out commercial trials of the gradient system. A full scientific report on the benefits of Optient will be shared as more data is gathered and analyzed, according to Signify.