New generation swinging cow brush
The market introduction of the latest DeLaval SCB coincides with the publication of a new study on cow brushes published by the German magazine dlz. Eight different cow grooming brushes were tested in a long-term in-situ test from August 2008 to April 2009. The two stage test observed four groups of cows with 30 cows in each; each group tested two different brushes, for four months each. The dlz focus was on cow behavior and the SCB was found to be best in test.
“We are delighted to see yet another test supporting the superiority of our swinging cow brush. The SCB had by far the fullest grooming cycles per day, keeping the cows that used it calm, clean, active, and more balanced. And this is welcome news for the farmer as the brush boosts milk production by improving the animal's blood circulation and helping reduce clinical mastitis,” DeLaval Vice President Business Area Aftermarket & Services Tim Nicolaï told a news conference.
A 2009 Cornell University study concluded that second lactation cows using the DeLaval SCB showed a significant increase in daily milk production of up to +1kg per day. The Cornell research team also found an important drop in clinical mastitis cases (over 30%) among second and older lactation cows housed in pens with a DeLaval SCB present.
New environmental hoof care programme
A new hoof care campaign based on less environmentally hazardous yet more effective chemicals was also introduced at EuroTier. The company recommends using a pre-cleaning bath, the HC40 followed by a disinfecting bath, the 4Hooves. The HC40 is a gentle detergent that prevents soil build up on the hoof, reducing the chance for bacteria to colonize it. The 4Hooves uses a new patented concentrated ‘quat’ based solution that performs equally well as copper sulphate.
Nicolaï told reporters that what makes DeLaval truly unique is that it can offer a holistic approach to smart and sustainable milk production. “Smart farming is not only about robots. It’s also about creating the optimal living environment for cows through, for example, automated ventilation that responds to weather and climate changes to provide the conditions cows need for optimal health and productivity throughout the four seasons,” he said.
“We are extremely proud of our Smart Barn Environment and Cow Comfort range. Our goal is to show dairy farmers how their cows can produce more milk using the same resources and input while reducing the environmental impact,” Nicolaï said.
Examples of other DeLaval Smart Farming , cow comfort and Sustainable Dairy Farming and SDF solutions at display at EuroTier:
Smart Farming: automated ventilation and illumination
Cow comfort: water troughs, cubicle divider, feed fences, mats and mattresses, rubber flooring systems, surface protection solutions
SDF: Footbath AFB100 (Optifeeding system)
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