As you know, cows get up and lie down 10 to 15 times a day. The cow must therefore have enough space for these actions; it must not be hindered in its movements by the elements that make up the stall. It should not be constrained by a bar or risk injury from a curb. Because, while wooden or concrete curbs effectively block the animals, they can cause trauma or even leg injuries.
To reconcile restraint and comfort in livestock buildings, Bioret has developed Aqua Board, a water kneeboard. The Aqua Board consists of a water reservoir attached to the front of a stall mattress. This kneeboard is custom-made to the length of the stall row. This water pocket absorbs shocks when the cow lies down, gently stopping her.
Adaptable to all formats, the custom-made comfort solution
Thanks to its lateral fixings, the Aqua Board kneeboard adapts to all types of stalls. From 12 to 22 cm, its height is adjustable to adapt to the different sizes of the herd, the stalls, and the mattresses. By adjusting the filling, it is possible to control the height and hardness of the kneeboards. The Aqua Board then ensures restraint and comfort. Proof of this is the natural position adopted by the cows lying down, often with one leg extended forward on the Aqua Board. The device enhances the level of comfort provided by Aquastar and Aquaclim mattresses.
In his new building, Hugo Lucas, a farmer in the Côtes d’Armor region, has improved the comfort of his cows by equipping his stalls with Aquastar mattresses and Aqua Board kneeboards. « Ensuring quality bedding is important for milk production and the longevity of cows, » the young farmer emphasizes. In this new building, without changing the feed, we have gained 3 to 4 kilograms of milk per cow. There are far fewer lameness and pressure sores because the cows lie down and get up without risk of injury. The interest in the well-being of cattle with the Aqua Board kneeboard earned it a silver medal at the Eurotier international Tradeshow.
