Exclusion of liability:
This is a recommendation based on our own real‐world experience. KRAIBURG does not assume any liability for the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information reproduced. We shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages. In particular, we shall not be liable for the violation of any laws or regulations. KRAIBURG reserves the right to make changes to the information provided without prior notice at any time.
Cleaning and maintaining barn mats: Everything you need to know about maintenance and care
Practical experience
The KRAIBURG barn mats create the ideal conditions for the health and well‐being of your cows. To exploit the potential of KRAIBURG mats fully, proper care, maintenance and cleaning are required. We will show you what you need to know.
Lying mats
We recommend always adding a thin layer of bedding to the lying mats. For example, soft milled straw or mineral materials, (moisture in the lying area can cause various conditions, including skin diseases and infections).
When cleaning, use of a high‐pressure cleaner and standard cleaning agents is possible.
Walking area flooring
Please observe the following when cleaning walking areas with manure removal systems:
- Adapt scrapers according to specifications
- Check scrapers once a year and grind any sharp edges round
- Use robot collectors according to specifications and check them regularly
Cleaning
Keep the flooring on walking areas and in milking areas as clean as possible!
When cleaning, use of a high‐pressure cleaner and standard cleaning agents is possible.
Essential for hoof health and slip resistance!
Milking parlor mats
To exploit the potential of KRAIBURG mats fully, regular and proper care, maintenance and cleaning are required (similar to maintaining technical equipment / machines). This ensures the mats remain hygienic and provide good grip for longer.
Aim of the cleaning concept:
- Good, long‐lasting cleanliness and hygiene
- Keeping the degree of cleaning and costs within reasonable limits
- Ensuring the long‐term functionality of the floor
Classification of contamination into three categories:
Coarse dirt:
Concentration of feces and urine
Mechanical cleaning with water
- Scrape off / rinse away coarse dirt
- Ideally with a high-pressure cleaner
Organic contamination:
Dung, milk, fat, protein, dipping agent
Use of alkaline foam cleaners
- Feature high degreasing power and very strong dirt binding capacity
Mineral contamination:
Lime scale, rust, urine, ...
Use of acidic foam cleaners
- Dissolve mineral deposits, usually contain disinfecting components
Tip: Apply cleaning agent via a foam lance on the high‐pressure cleaner.
Cleaning routine recommended by KRAIBURG:
Daily:
Thoroughly clean the mats with a high-pressure cleaner after each milking session
Every 2–3 weeks:
Use foam cleaning
› Use alkaline and acidic foam cleaning agents alternately
Tip: Create an individual cleaning concept
- Adapt to the respective conditions, e. g. water hardness, type of contamination,…
- Develop a clear, routine procedure (keep record / check list)
- Perform regularly – essential for hygiene and proper functioning
Hygiene costs time and money – no / poor hygiene costs more!
Before the application of cleaning agents:
- Read and follow the information on the enclosed product / safety data sheet (correct handling, dilution, exposure time, …)
- Wear personal protective equipment: Protective goggles, gloves and apron,…
- Use material‐friendly agents and check compatibility (rubber, zinc, milking technology,…)
The following generally applies for compatibility with the rubber mats:
KRAIBURG rubber mats generally exhibit very high resistance to cleaning agents (high‐quality raw material made from tire granulate) - Wastewater disposal: Into municipal sewage treatment plant or according to the respective legal regulations
Tips for improving slip resistance on walking areas
(irrespective of the technical version)
Avoid feces drying
- Scrapers must run at least 6 – 8 times a day
- In case of unevenness, equip the cleaning flaps with rubber lips, brushes or similar
- If necessary, additionally sprinkle with water for cleaning (e. g. in case of extreme solar radiation or high air exchange rates)
- Avoid understocking (e. g. dry cows)
- Additionally clean when animals are out to pasture (temporary absence of cows)
Avoid formation of smeary feces
- Very runny feces result from a lack of raw fiber, a change in feed (pasturing, forage) or freshly lactating cows
- Clean more often, if possible
Check condition of hooves
- No dirty, clotted hoof soles (e.g. due to bedding & lime / non‐chopped straw as a slippery layer)
- Correct hoof form facilitates safe walking
- Extended wall edge and slope of the sole are important
Note: Stressful situations can cause slipping
- Entering or exiting the milking parlor
- Holding area
- Running (e.g. in traffic lanes)
- Adapting to a new environment / ...
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