Researchers from Purdue University recently evaluated whether rubber flooring in the feed lanes of freestall barns could improve production, hoof health, and locomotion. Thirty Holstein heifers were selected for the study. After calving, heifers were assigned to either concrete or rubber flooring in the feed lane area for their entire lactation. Cows housed with rubber flooring on the feed lane produced more milk fat and milk protein, as well as had a higher milk protein percentage. 50% of the cows housed on concrete were diagnosed with some type
of hoof ailment (digital dermatitis, foot rot, abscess, sole ulcer, or sole separation), while only 22% of the cows housed with the rubber feed lane had an ailment. First lactation cows on concrete tended to have greater cortisol concentrations, an indicator of stress or pain. Additional milk fat and protein value could offset some of the costs of adding rubber matting to feed
lanes.
