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Comfortable dairy cows perform better, live longer and produce more lifetime calves when they are provided 24/7 access to clean, dry, well-ventilated housing which includes comfortable beds or stalls. Cow stalls that are improperly constructed, not maintained or incorrectly bedded create war with the cows. The “stall wars” ensue and the cows lose the battle with injury, lameness and loss of rest. When this happens, the dairy farm is at risk of losing the war and failure occurs. Full article Industry Knowledge

White line lesion is the second most common claw disease affecting dairy cattle, with 5.5 cases per 100 cows per year recorded as the average treatment rate in the UK1. The average case is thought to cost approximately £193, costing the average farm over £1000 per year per 100 cows². However, in some herds white line can become a major problem with over 30 cases per 100 cows per year costing approximately £5800 per 100 cows per year. Full Article Industry Knowledge

When thinking about the economics of cow comfort, we must address a combination of factors. A series of 2019 Canadian studies showed the impact of comfort on a dairy producer’s wallet. We know that poor cow comfort is a primary driver of lameness and hoof lesions. It goes without saying that there is a substantial economic loss resulting from lameness related to loss of milk production, increased risk of death, of culling, of reproduction issues, treatment cost etc. The more cases of lameness, the more severe they are and the longer they last, then the higher the cost. Laura Solano, DVM., Ph. D. Full Article Industry Knowledge

“The stall bed needs to be both comfortable and durable. Resilient mattress and ‘soft’ mats are usually good stall bed choices for growing heifers. Generously bedded stalls are also a good option but generally require more maintenance since heifers tend to ‘paw and dig’ the bedding material. Bedding is still necessary to improve comfort, encourage stall use, and promote cleanliness. However, bedding addition is often more difficult (and sometimes less likely to get done as needed) since heifers continuously occupy the space. Proper planning and gate placement allow the ability to confine heifers away from the stall rows being bedded. Regular removal of manure and soiled bedding from the stall surface is necessary to improve heifer cleanliness.” Full Article Industry ...

While many cow comfort issues have to do with facility design, the management of these facilities is essential in achieving good cow comfort in the barn. Job descriptions and standard operating procedures need to be developed and carried out with the welfare of the cow in mind at all times. As a dairy industry we have a moral obligation to provide care, safety, and cow comfort to the animals in exchange for milk and meat. Full Article Industry Knowledge

“Results from the recent AFBI project indicated that the effect of floor type on performance is influenced by the diet offered.  When bulls were offered ad libitum concentrates, those accommodated on rubber covered slats had a higher concentrate intake than bulls accommodated on concrete slats.” “Increased daily live weight gain is likely to be found in bulls accommodated on slats overlaid with rubber, making this is an economically viable choice.  Additionally rubber floors provided a more comfortable floor, allowing bulls to get up and down more easily; cleaner cattle and less hoof bruising.” Full Article Industry Knowledge