Cow Wash Helps Milk Production
As you can see from the pictures, it seems the swinging cow brush is a hit with the cows. Reports suggests that the cows are eager to use the wash and as a result of its use they are cleaner, and more active, calm and balanced.
DeLaval, the makers of the machinery, have already sold over 30,000 in Sweden and are now bringing it over to the UK.
The study conducted by Cornell University in 2009 on DeLaval SCB showed better animal health due to an increase in blood circulation. It concluded that clinical mastitis was 34% lower for cows in second and higher lactation using the SCB. The research team also reported increased milk production of up to +1kg per day (3.5%) for cows in second lactation in a pen using the swinging cow brush, compared to a reference group kept under the same conditions without access to the SCB.
RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.
