Could a Cow Brush potentially increase your bottom line?

Could a Cow Brush potentially increase your bottom line?

The 4 major advantages of cow brushes

You might consider a cow brush as a just a grooming aid but there really is more to it then you think at first sight. When it comes to these handy on-farm tools, they not only keep cows happy but also support the farmer by helping keep the bottom line healthy.

Cow brushes can potentially improve several key metrics while increasing cow comfort. They have the potential to add value in several ways. We point out the 4 major arguments :

2. Reduce disease

In the study referenced above, the installation of a brush led to more than a 30% drop in mastitis cases for second- and higher-lactation cows. The hypothesis here goes back to the improved activity. By walking more and lying in their stalls for a shorter period of time, they may be lowering their exposure to bacteria present on the stall’s surface. Also by grooming their skin is cleaner and there is a reduction of the number of parasites and organisms on the cow’s coat. The brush does reach the hind areas so the speculation is that this could lower exposure of the mammary gland due to a general reduction of dirt on the animal. The takeaway here is simply that reduced cases of mastitis lower the farm’s operating costs. It is fairly easy to calculate the cost of mastitis between €200 to €250 per cow, taking into account lost or discard milk and veterinarian bills. However, mastitis can also lead to reduced reproductive performance and that can be more problematic to quantify.

3. Alleviate stress

Cows are creatures of habit but sometimes in the normal operation of the farm unknown stress is added. There could be the need to change equipment or employees, add new cows to a pen, or rush her between pens. These seemingly normal factors can add stress to the cow. A brush becomes a stress reliever tool because grooming will help her overcome her stress. A stressed cow can behave out of her normal character. She may even present a danger to workers if she becomes to erratic. If she senses stress in or around the parlour, she may avoid entering, kick off the cluster, or refuse to let down her milk. In this situation, a brush could be a valuable tool.

4. Decrease property damage

A cow has a natural instinct to groom herself. It is also a social behaviour. Grooming allows them to bond with others in the herd. She will automatically rub whatever object is available. Cows can easily damage a corral, fence, stanchion, feed bunk, water trough, etc. Offering a brush into the environment will enable the cow to focus her energy on something intended for rubbing. Also keep in mind that without a brush, she could inadvertently injure herself by rubbing on something sharp. The value here again is a cost savings on both vet bills and equipment repair.