Walking comfort pays off

Through their behaviour, cows show us what they need: a soft and slip-resistant ground

The average costs for a case of lameness come to about € 400*.

Investment in animal-friendly walking areas for dairy cows brings long-term improvement in claw health.

Higher milk yield

Studies by P.H. Robinson at the University of California confirm that milk yield is connected directly to dry matter intake. In other words, the lower a cow's severity of lameness (locomotion score), the higher its feed intake and likewise its milk yield.

Robinson P.H., 2013
Locomotion Score according to Sprecher et al., 1997

Reduced costs of lameness

A sample calculation: the average severity of lameness of a herd can improve by 0.5 points with animal-friendly walking areas (= soft, slip-resistant). The higher milk yield alone will bring an increase in profit of about € 50 per cow annually. According to experience, rubber flooring in walking areas pays for itself within five years!

Milk price 30 ct/kg, avg. milk yield 35 kg/day
Unconsidered: impacts on fertility, veterinary costs, waiting times for medication administration, higher replacement rate, treatment costs, DMI, etc.
Locomotion Scoring according to Sprecher et al., 1997
Lameness Calculator, P.H. Robinson, UC Davis

Fewer days open

Werny, 2014

More frequent mounting and therefore better heat detection help to improve fertility performance on the farm, for example with shortened
calving-to-conception interval.

More information on fertility

Less claw damage

Studies show that soft rubber flooring in walking areas reduces mechanical-traumatic claw damage.

Notable findings from the field: especially active animals during heat have significantly fewer claw injuries!

More information on claw health

Find out more!

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