Dr. Jeffrey Bewley knows that providing a clean, comfortable place to rest is essential for improving the health and productivity of dairy cattle – as well as for maintaining an efficient, profitable dairy operation.
And the key to creating the optimal resting place for cows, particularly within a freestall barn design, is to know which stall base options are available and what surface works best for your unique environment.
Here’s a look at several stall base alternatives:
Concrete
While concrete surfaces don’t need to be replaced as often as other bases, they provide cows little-to-no comfort.
Rubber
Rubber mats are relatively cheap and durable, though they
provide a just a little more cushion than concrete bases.
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Rubber-filled mattresses
More comfortable than the first two options, rubber-filled mattresses work best when well-bedded with sawdust.
Dual-chamber waterbeds
A relatively new option, waterbeds result in fewer hock abrasions than mattresses and can help keep cows cool in the hot summer months.
Recycled manure
Recycled manure solids offer a soft-cushioned base and are a relatively cost-effective bedding alternative.
