Stronger DeLaval brush designed for beef cattle

DeLaval has extended its range of swinging cow brushes with the new reinforced Swinging Beef Brush (SBB) which has been specifically designed for beef cattle, especially those with horns and longer hair.

Over five million DeLaval cow brushes are used in more than 80 countries. However, the majority are frequented by dairy cows, which has led to the development of the SBB for beef cattle. The new model features reinforced cable protection and more details in stainless steel to help it stand up to more boisterous use.

Lisa Harris, DeLaval Aftermarket Solution Manager for the UK & Ireland, explains:

“The new SBB is specially designed to be used by beef cattle with horns or long hair. Beef cattle are often larger and exhibit different behaviour to dairy cows. It is also common for beef cattle to exert significantly more force on the brush. Therefore the SBB has much greater tolerances, making it our toughest and most robust brush ever.”

The new brush also reflects growing demand to improve animal health and welfare. Access to grooming helps cattle to remove dirt, parasites and other contaminants from skin and hair which is thought to positively influence the animal's affective state.

“Research shows that cows show as much desire to be groomed as to be fed*. DeLaval’s focus is always on animal health and welfare whether that be when designing a milking parlour or a piece of equipment like the SBB, because we believe that happy livestock will be more productive,” says Harris.

Cattle choose when to visit the brush which starts to rotate when contact is made. It swings freely in all directions, and the bristles length and hardness has been calibrated to stimulate blood circulation. Each visit also helps cattle to stay clean and calm

“The SBB also has specially designed flaps in the cylinder to help prevent hair from getting stuck which will reduce maintenance for customers,” adds Harris.

During the development phase the SBB underwent testing in countries with varying climates over several years. The majority of the farmers testified that the brush provided cleaner and shinier fur, reduced parasites, and calmer animals.

“By extending the range of cow brushes, DeLaval can now offer stationary and swinging cow brushes for calves, goats, young stock, dairy cows, and beef cattle,” she concludes.

(*Emilie McConnachie: Cows are highly motivated to access a grooming substrate. 2018.08.08. The Royal Society Biology letters.)

For more information on the DeLaval swinging beef brush, Click Here