CONTACT: Robin Starkenburg
(608)846-6219

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ABS Global Cow Comfort Profit Tip

DEFOREST, WISCONSIN – April 29, 2004 – ABS Global Technical Service Consultants propose a few simple management changes that can be easily implemented to improve cow comfort and reduce the risk of injury.

Normal cow behavior is to lay into an uphill slope, regardless of housing type (open lots, tie stalls, or free stalls). It is thought that lying uphill on a slope may improve cow comfort by reducing pressure exerted upon the diaphragm and allow for improved cud chewing and eructation (escape of gas) from the rumen.

Lying uphill allows the cow to easily lunge forward transferring weight off her rear legs, without moving her body, and pivot over her knees (Michael, UCD Dairy Conference 1997).

Zero or negative slope increases the amount of weight bearing on rear legs and decreases the efficiency of weight transfer over the knees. This can lead to animals lunging too far forward in the stall (or adjoining stalls), increased injuries, and bedding loss.

PROFIT TIP: Many producers find it difficult to maintain a slope on their free stalls when using sand or other loose bedding types. Here are some tips to help you maintain slopes, optimize lunging activity, reduce bedding loss, and maximize cow comfort:

Install a sloped base using soil that will pack but still provide drainage. The base should be 4-6 inches below grade with a 2-4% slope to the front of the stall.
Ensure cow pushers rake manure from beds at each milking.
Refill stall 1-2 times per week to maintain adequate bedding depth and reduce bacterial buildup. Filling more often will use less bedding and provide better cow comfort than overfilling the stalls less frequently.
Daily grooming to minimize “humps” between stalls.
Many mechanical grooming devices allow the slope to be re-groomed into the stall each day.
Position animals to the rear of the stall by overfilling the front of the stall (beyond 70 inches from the rear curb).
For stalls with concrete in the lunging area, additional bedding in the lunge area will improve lunging and stall utilization since cows alter their lunging behavior to avoid “bobbing” their chin onto hard surfaces during the lunge.

Optimizing cow comfort requires managers to provide a clean, dry and comfortable place for the cows to live. Proper stall management and maintenance are key to maximizing stall use and cow comfort.

Headquartered in DeForest, Wisconsin, ABS Global is the world-leading provider of bovine genetics, reproduction services, technologies and uddercare products. Marketing in more than 70 countries around the globe, ABS has been at the forefront of animal genetics and technology since its founding in 1941. ABS Global is part of Genus Breeding, a division of Genus plc.

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To receive the contents of this release electronically, please contact Alice Langer at alanger@absglobal.com, or (608) 846-6203.

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