Is 16 Hour On or the Flash Method Better?
This is personal preference. If you are
a little absent minded then the 16 hour on may be better for you. The reason
is, you will likely be in the barn at least some time during the 16 hours so
you will notice if the bulbs are working. If you use the Flash
method, you must regularly make sure your bulbs are working. If your bulbs
go out and you stop lighting (for as little as 2-4 days for some mares) they
will go back into transition and into anestrus. This will occur even if
the days are getting longer (early February). If your mare goes BACK into
anestrus after you have had her in transition or even cycling you can pretty
much forget about trying to breed her for at least a month or two!
If you are looking to minimize your electrical expenses and you can check your
timer and light bulbs regularly then by all means use the flash method.
Although we learned the hard way, we use the flash method at Excelsior Farms.