Improved in-parlour comfort for cows will speed up milking times

Ongoing trials at Kingston Maurward College (KMC) in Dorset, coordinated by Dr Nick Bell from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, are confirming that the installation of EasyFix rubber matting in milking parlour will significantly reduce milking times.

“This is particularly so where cows with special needs are concerned. In other words, cows with sore feet,” confirmed Dr Nick Bell.

“Our current figures show that average milking time per cow, across the whole herd is down by 27 seconds, during the morning milking, and 6 seconds in the evening, since the installation of the matting. Most of this improvement in milking times has been seen with the special needs group, which is now 47 seconds per cow and 23 seconds quicker in the mornings and afternoons respectively.”

The current trial work at KMC was commissioned by EasyFix to address th following question: does placing rubber matting in the parlour and at the exit of the parlour improve cow comfort in dairy herds?



“The overall aim of the work is to investigate the influence of rubber matting on dairy farms,” explained EasyFix’s Ronan Boyle.

“We have seven core objectives. We want to determine if rubber matting in the parlour and the exit reduces paddling in parlour; reduces the prevalence of biphasic milk let down; increases milk yield of individual cows; decreases milking time of individual cows; decreases time spent gathering cows into the parlour and if it decreases the time spent pushing cows out of the parlour.

“We also want to look at the ways in which rubber matting effects the “lame and lazy” group at KMC differently to the main herd.”

Ronan continued:

“The results obtained to date are extremely encouraging. They confirm that the use of rubber matting in the milking parlour will significantly reduce milking times per cow. Results from the other aspects of the trial will be forthcoming over the coming months.”

EasyFix has developed two matting systems that can be used to provide cows with significantly enhanced levels of comfort in-parlour.  The Alley Mat  can also be used in passageways & walkways. Weighing 50 kilos, each matting unit is  6 feet by 3 feet 9inches and 28mm in depth. It is easy to install, as the separate units easily interlock together. Significantly, the matting system will not expand, tear or warp out of shape. Impact bubbles underneath the mat provide the ultimate comfort.

The Max Grip mat is the other interlocking matting system from EasyFix. It features the unique Penny Grip surface and can be used in milking parlours, collecting yards, sloped surfaces and in all areas of the farm where stock are at risk of slipping.

For further information, please contact EasyFix on + 353 (0)9096 43344

Farming News Daily Supporting British Pig Farmers

Source: newsroom - farmingnewsdaily.co.uk