Gummiwerk KRAIBURG Elastik GmbH & Co. KG
Göllstraße 8
84529 Tittmoning
Deutschland
Tel. +49 (0)8683 701-303
Fax +49 (0)8683 701-190
Comfort mats for
over a period of 18 months 3840 backfat thickness measurements compared:
The development of backfat thickness indicates the condition of the animals (positive / negative energy balance during lactation)
backfat decreases until about 140 days after calving, then increases again
→ cows retain their initial condition by the next calving
backfat decreases until about 140 days after calving, too, but rebuilding fat reserves is significantly slower
→ cows do NOT retain their initial condition by the next calving
29 days less from calving-to-insemination
37 days less from calving-to-conception
= about 1 month shorter calving interval!
concrete: 55 %
rubber: 75.6 %
= about a 20 % higher heat detection rate on rubber!
more milk fat and milk protein
fewer claw treatments → improved locomotion score
fewer indications of inflammation in the blood (e.g. fewer leucocytes)
Sources:
1) Werny R.: „Einfluss elastischer Spaltenbodenauflagen im Boxenlaufstall auf die Fruchtbarkeit und Energiebilanz laktierender Kühe”, 2014
2) Eicher S. D.: „Effects of rubber floorings during the first 2 lactations on production, locomotion, hoof health, immune functions, and stress”, 2013