DR Barbara Murphy is are the forefront of new technology which is leading in the way in the reproductive industry. Murphy is head of the Equine Animal Science course at University College Dublin and is creator of the Equilume Light Mask.

Following on from her BSc in Equine Science from the University of Limerick, Murphy worked in the thoroughbred industry in America and in Ireland before she did a PhD in Veterinary Science at the Gluck Equine Research Centre at the University of Kentucky.

Murphy opened her presentation with an outline of the importance of light and some of the main considerations to take into account in relation to light, including the duration of daily light, consistency of the light-dark cycle, photoperiod history and the quality of light. She also detailed the importance of blue and how this has influence the Equilume product range.

Light does a lot more than just allow for better vision, it stimulates the body, regulating both daily and annual cycles. It also controls on the rhythm of melatonin which controls reproduction. Melatonin is a hormone of darkness which is produced at right and its rhythm aids daily health and seasonal breeding. Melatonin regulates rest and activity, the immune system, reproduction, mood and growth.

The various Equilume products which are now on the market work by using artificial blue light to induce early cycling which can help breeders to meet the foal birth dates set by the industry.

Murphy explained how it is widely understood that providing longer day-length acts to reduce the production of the hormone melatonin and stimulates the mare’s reproductive system to activate earlier in the year. Therefore, foals of the same official age can be produced that are older in actual age.

Murphy detailed the research and development of the Equiume light mask and explained more about how the technology works, including some of the additional benefits such has helping to promote good health and keeping healthy, shiny coats. Following the success of the light mask the Equilume stable light was developed.

Murphy explained how correctly using lighting not only helps with bringing forward mares’ cycle but it can also make a significant difference to pregnant mares, especially in the final trimester. One studied has shown that the mean body weight in pregnant mares wearing light masks was 8.4lbs heavier than mares did not wear light masks.

Other benefits of keeping pregnant mares in correct lighting include better post-foaling fertility, it ensures good milk production, improved first service conception rates in older mares and farm feedback suggests it improved colostrum.

Another interesting fact, Murphy said, was that circadian lightning increases testosterone levels in the sport horse stallion and this is an area that is likely to undergo further investigation and development.