From an anatomical point of view, cow hooves are made to walk on soft ground. In most livestock buildings, cows must walk and, above all, stand on hard floors, concrete and slats. This generates a modification of horn production, a state of chronic inflammation, and healing difficulties. They are often too abrasive, which will cause excessive wear of the horn, with the risk of having soles that are too thin and therefore more susceptible to ulcers and foot pathologies. So many repetitive traumas that will cause injuries to the feet and joint dysfunctions causing lameness. A cow with sore feet and legs will move less to eat and drink, and its production will be reduced. Its health and reproduction will also be affected, to the point that lameness increases the risk of early culling by a factor of 5.
Flexible floors bring comfort and longevity to cows
On the contrary, with a flexible floor, the contact area between the hooves and the floor will be larger, allowing for a better distribution of weight and, on average, 40% less pressure. This flexibility can be achieved by adding rubber mats, such as the Magellan mat.
Professor Mulling, from the University of Leipzig, has demonstrated that with a flexible mat, such as the Magellan, a larger contact area at the hooves allows for a better distribution of weight, a more bearable joint pressure, and therefore a more stable position for the animal and a lower risk of foot and joint lesions.
To maximize the benefit of rubber flooring, prioritize placing it where cows stand for long periods: in front of the feeding table, waiting area, in front of the milking parlor or robots. More comfortable floors are also of particular interest to primiparous cows. At the beginning of lactation, and even more so for the 1st lactation, there is a strong mobilization of body reserves to compensate for the energy deficit. The plantar pads, which are a fatty mass inside the hoof acting as a shock absorber, will decrease. Postpartum cows, especially primiparous cows, are already weakened by the start of their lactation. Ensuring their comfort and the good health of their feet is the key to a lactation that starts in the best possible way.
With their feet protected and their joints less fatigued, the cows will be in good health and will best express their milk potential.
