The Test Center Technology and Farm Inputs of DLG TestService tests animal housing technology and components for barn construction. These include lighting systems, corrugated roof panels, doors and gates, heating and ventilation systems and milking technology. The DLG Committee for Animal Welfare monitors adherence to high standards with respect to animal welfare.
DLG-APPROVED
Depending on the scope of the evaluation, the DLG-APPROVED test mark is awarded for specific criteria that determine value or for a comprehensive evaluation. The test mark is valid for five years from the date of issuance. With the test mark and the accompanying DLG test report, you receive a meaningful expert assessment and a powerful tool for your marketing mix.
Testing of Livestock Housing Components
The range of livestock housing components available for animal husbandry is diverse. Not all materials and components are equally suitable for practical use, particularly with regard to long-term exposure to typical barn environmental conditions. As part of the testing for the DLG-APPROVED test mark, the focus for barn construction components is on resistance to ammonia.
Ammonia resistance
Simulated practical use of approximately 10 years under stable conditions. The test samples are exposed to controlled conditions in a climate chamber for 1,500 hours:
- Temperatures up to +70°C, relative humidity up to 70%
- Ammonia concentration up to 750 ppm
- The test samples are switched on and off at appropriate intervals
Special testing of lighting systems
There is a wide range of lighting and lighting systems available for animal husbandry. However, not all products are suitable for practical use, where animal welfare and the service life of the lighting installations are important factors. The practical tests for the DLG-APPROVED quality seal for lighting systems therefore focus on animal welfare, durability and cleaning.
Test criteria
Ammonia resistance
Simulated practical use of approximately 10 years under stable conditions. The test samples are exposed to controlled conditions in a climate chamber for 1,500 hours:
- Temperatures up to +70°C, relative humidity up to 70%
- Ammonia concentration up to 750 ppm
- The test samples are switched on and off at appropriate intervals
Cleaning resistance
No damage or water ingress when spraying with a high-pressure cleaner:
- Spraying of critical functional areas
- Gradual reduction of the distance between the water nozzle and the surface of the test sample with a constant exposure time
- Material compatibility testing with cleaning agents and disinfectants
Performance testing
Evaluation of other performance-related characteristics of the luminaires in practical use. These include, among others:
- light distribution
- color rendering,
- color temperature stability
- as well as performance under various operating conditions (e.g., dimming or temperature fluctuations).
