Healthy hooves: the basis for high-performance dairy cows
Health and productivity of dairy cows begin at the basis: their hooves. Modern housing systems place special emphasis on dry and clean walking surfaces to promote animal well-being and mobility. Innovative, soft rubber flooring with slope plays a central role by not only improving hygiene but also minimizing the risk of injuries and preventing hoof diseases.
Why dry hooves are crucial
Healthy hooves are indispensable for dairy cows. Intact skin around the hooves protects against infectious diseases such as Mortellaro (digital dermatitis) or interdigital phlegmon "panaritium". For this reason, walking areas – and the hooves – must be kept as dry and clean as possible. A well-designed barn system addresses this need: with a slope of at least 3 % and easy-to-clean surfaces, liquids are quickly drained off. This reduces germ exposure and improves hoof health.
Rubber flooring: safety, softness and health
On hard concrete floors, cows face a higher risk of slipping and injuring themselves. Soft rubber flooring offers a solution: it ensures secure footing while its animal-friendly softness promotes natural pressure distribution.
The advantages include:
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Safety and comfort: Cows stand securely and move with less stress.
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Hoof protection: Mechanical and traumatic hoof issues are minimized, as the outer claws can sink in, allowing the inner claws to bear more weight.
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Hygiene and health: Rapid drainage of liquids limits bacterial growth and enhances barn hygiene.
Efficient and sustainable: Reduced emissions included
In addition to health benefits, soft rubber flooring with slope helps reduce ammonia emissions. This is achieved by the quick separation of manure and urine and the rapid drying of walking surfaces. As a result, farmers can not only protect the environment but also take advantage of government subsidies.
Optimal solutions for various barn types
Modern barn systems offer the right solution for every need:
1. Walking alley mats with slope (profiKURA 3D)
A 3 % slope efficiently drains liquids and reduces ammonia by an average of 44 % (compared to a concrete floor with rubber covering and a 1 % slope).
2. Drain channel mats (profiDRAIN)
Gently curved surfaces with an integrated slope improve hoof hygiene and reduce emissions by an average of 61 % (compared to a level concrete floor).
3. Slatted floors (espaFLEX)
Featuring a 3 % dual-sided slope design and variable slit reduction, espaFLEX enables ammonia reduction with a permanently functional drainage system.
Advantages at a glance:
For the cows:
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Improved hoof health thanks to dry walking areas and pressure relief.
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Lower risk of injury due to soft, slip-resistant flooring.
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Increased comfort and better mobility.
For the farmer:
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Proven ammonia reduction for new barn projects or expansions.
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Increased milk yield thanks to active, healthy animals.
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Reduced veterinary costs and fewer hoof problems.
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Easier floor cleaning and reduced labor.
For the environment:
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Lower emissions and less ammonia entering air and water.
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Valuable nitrogen remains in the cycle, reducing the need for energy-intensive production of new mineral fertilizer.
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Reduced odor pollution.
Conclusion: Dry hooves carry the milk
Thoughtful barn design featuring animal-friendly soft rubber flooring with slope is a decisive step toward modern, animal-friendly farming. Healthy hooves are not only essential for the cow’s overall health but also a key factor in achieving higher milk yields and more efficient farm management. Investments in innovative solutions such as profiKURA 3D, profiDRAIN or espaFLEX pay off for farmers, cows, and the environment alike.
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KRAIBURG Guidance Healthy hooves thanks to walking surfaces
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