The Science behind Equilume
Blue light is short wavelength light and has been found to optimally stimulate the photoreceptors in the eye that regulates melatonin production. Blue light is also biologically effective.
The neuro-circuitry that carries the light signal from the eye to the part of the brain regulating melatonin is the same for both eyes. our research has shown that light in one eye effectively inhibits the production of melatonin. This discovery means that horses can receive light therapy to a single eye at night without affecting their ability to behave normally while effectively advancing their breeding season through melatonin regulation.
No, thorough health checks and optical examinations were conducted by qualified veterinarians before and after the two years of trials with light mask prototypes. the light intensity used is 5 times lower than normal stable lighting and 100 times lower intensity that daylight on a sunny day.
The increased day length inhibits and regulates the production of melatonin allowing the secretion of seasonal hormones. With the automated function, the light will strengthen their circadian rhythm resulting in stronger hormonal patterns and general well-being.
Melatonin is a protein hormone produced in the brain by the pineal gland at night and it has been given the ominous title of the ‘Hormone of Darkness’. In the horse, melatonin is produced primarily during the dark hours and is turned off when the light of the correct intensity and wavelength enters the eye
Melatonin has a very important role in reproduction in the mare. When there is a long duration of melatonin, such as occurs during winter nights, melatonin prevents the release of a hormone called Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH is the hormone at the top of the hormonal cascade controlling equine reproduction. as its name suggests, it is responsible for the release of the Gonadotropins, another subset of hormones. “Gonadotropin” literally means to stimulate the growth of reproductive organs. Hence, in winter there is little GnRH around as it is turned off by melatonin and the ovaries of the mare are usually small, hard and inactive.
Our light best mimics natural daylight.
