More space for a natural lying position: XL lying lengths with TarsaCare

Dairy cows have changed significantly in recent decades: As milk production and body size increase, so do the requirements for free stalls. To enable cows to perform their natural movements when lying down, resting and getting up, they need sufficient freedom of movement and a comfortable, safe surface.

With its free stall mattresses in an XL lying length of 1.92 m, KRAIBURG offers solutions designed for modern free stall concepts. Combined with an appropriate free stall design and the TarsaCare comfort zone, they create a resting area that effectively combines animal comfort with practical barn management.

In practice, elevated stalls with lying lengths exceeding 1.90 m offer significant advantages. If cows have sufficient space in front of them, they can position themselves more upright and lie more relaxed. This reduces the inclination to lie at an angle or to settle too far back. Hygiene also benefits: if the cow lies further forward and straight in the stall, her tail is more likely to remain within the lying area. Manure and urine are more likely to be deposited in the walking alley. This keeps the free stalls and the animals cleaner.

The key factor here is always the interplay between the length of the lying area, the neck rail and, where applicable, the brisket board. As a guideline, the horizontal distance between the neck rail and the brisket board should be at least 25 cm, or preferably 30 cm. This gives cows sufficient freedom of movement for a natural lying-down process. With correctly adapted free stall control devices, it is often even possible to dispense with a brisket board altogether.

With the TarsaCare comfort zone, KRAIBURG specifically enhances the long lying area in the rear third of the mat. Pliant ball-shaped segments create a soft, structured surface for the sensitive hock joints. The tarsal joints are gently supported while resting and kept drier at the same time.

The surface structure also holds even small amounts of bedding material securely, thereby supporting the formation of an organic layer. Improved ventilation of the skin areas contributes to a drier coat. In addition, the comfort zone provides slip resistance and makes it easier for cows to get up and leave the free stall.

KRAIBURG offers various free stall flooring products in an XL lying length. The proven KEW Plus mattress system is available with a lying length of 1.92 m, as are the KEW Plus LongLine and Softbed LongLine continuous roll systems. KEW Plus Visco is available as a particularly comfortable option with an additional visco-elastic foam layer. The WINGFLEX mattress and the KIM LongLine continuous roll system are also available in an XL lying length.

For elevated deep bedded stalls, KRAIBURG offers maxiBOX, a solution with a particularly generous lying area: The 2.15 m option has an internal dimension of 1.90 m, thus providing an effective lying length of around 2 m. This allows the right solution to be selected for different free stall concepts and housing requirements.

The TarsaCare comfort zone is available in various KEW Plus mattress systems. KEW Plus TarsaCare combines the proven three-layer construction of rubber, foam and rubber with the pliant comfort zone. For additional pressure relief, KEW Plus Visco TarsaCare is available, featuring a four-layer construction with a thickness of approx. 10 cm and an additional visco-elastic foam layer. For suspended dividers, KRAIBURG also offers the KEW Plus LongLine TarsaCare as a continuous roll system.

Long lying areas and targeted pressure relief in the hock area are important components of an animal-friendly free stall. Combined with appropriate free stall dimensions, correctly positioned control devices and consistent maintenance, these elements create the conditions that enable cows to enjoy using their free stalls, rest comfortably and get up safely again. This contributes significantly to animal welfare and improved performance.

Further information:

Press information KEW Plus Visco TarsaCare

Guide Cow-friendly lying

Guide The perfect free stall

Information on Long lying areas

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