As a dairy farmer, ensuring the comfort and well-being of your herd is not just a priority - it’s at the heart of successful dairy management. One crucial factor in achieving this is selecting the right rubber matting for your dairy operation.
Many studies have shown the multitude of benefits of rubber matting, including:
- Enhanced milk production: rubber surfaces encourage relaxation, resulting in increased milk production and herd productivity.
- Lameness reduction: proper cushioning can reduce lameness in cows by up to 95%
- Cost savings: rubber matting reduces the reliance on soft bedding, particularly on feed pads where cows spend significant time. This results in substantial long-term cost savings.
- Easy maintenance: rubber mats seamlessly integrate into flood wash systems, simplifying feed pad maintenance and ensuring a consistently clean and hygienic environment.
Which rubber matting should you choose for your herd?
With so many options available - each with their own unique features and benefits, it’s the $64,000 question. But fear not, we’ve put together a 5-step guide list to tick off as you navigate the process.
Step 1: Assess Your Herd's Needs
Before diving into the wide array of rubber matting options on the market, take a moment to assess your herd's specific requirements.
Consider factors such as the size of your operation, the layout of your facilities, and the typical behavior and preferences of your cattle. Understanding these factors will provide valuable insights into the type of matting that will best suit your dairy herd.
Step 2: Understand the range of options
At Legend Rubber, we offer an extensive range of high-quality rubber mats designed to cater to various needs and preferences.
From stall mats and cow beds to rubber walkway mats, each product is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and quality.
Whichever company you work with, make sure to familiarize yourself with the different types of matting available, their features, and their intended applications to narrow down your options effectively.
Step 3: Consider comfort and safety
You know this better than us, but when selecting rubber matting for your dairy herd, prioritizing comfort and safety above all else is key.
Look for mats that offer ample cushioning to reduce the risk of lameness and provide a comfortable resting surface for your cattle.
Additionally, opt for mats with superior traction to prevent slips and falls, ensuring the safety of both your herd and your farm staff.
Step 4: Evaluate durability and longevity
Investing in durable and long-lasting rubber matting is essential for maximizing the value of your investment.
Opt for mats that are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, including high-traffic areas and exposure to heavy machinery.
Durability is key to ensuring that your matting remains in optimal condition for years to come.
Step 5: Tailor your selection to your specific needs
Finally, tailor your selection of rubber matting to meet the unique needs of your dairy operation.
As already discussed, consider factors such as layout, frequency of use, and any specific obstacles, issues, or needs that are distinct to your dairy farm - including the type of flooring or substrate, environmental conditions, climate considerations, or any specialized equipment or procedures that are specific to your operation.
By choosing matting that is specifically suited to your farm's circumstances, you can ensure maximum effectiveness and satisfaction.
Why cows love rubber matting
Recent research shows that cows demonstrate a definite preference for rubber beds and mats over other surfaces.
While it’s been well reported that lameness is a significant issue in dairy herds - and can affect up to 60% of cows annually - rubber mats have been shown to reduce lameness rates significantly,
This results in improved productivity and reduced costs associated with claw disease treatment and management.
What options do Legend Rubber offer?
Delve into our comprehensive range of rubber bed mats and walkway mats, which we create - and install - to ensure the safety, comfort, and productivity of your cows.
Stall Mats/Cow Beds
XCS-R80 Roll Bed: Known as the world's most durable and reliable roll bed, the XCS-R80 features a 1 1/4" double bubble rubber underpad beneath a 5/16" top cover with ribs. Perfect for all dairy cows, it's designed for both tie stalls and free stalls.
XCS-1 Bed: This individual bed comes with an optional tee bar joiner, making it perfect for floor-mounted dividers and posts. Tailored for tie stalls and free stalls, it ensures optimal comfort and support for your cattle.
Soft Bed: Offering a soft and easy-to-install roll bed solution, the Soft Bed features a 1 1/8" foam underpad beneath a 3/8" top cover with ribs. Specifically designed for free stalls, it prioritizes the comfort and well-being of your dairy herd.
Rubber Walkway Mats
Our rubber walkway mats are designed to ensure your herd can move around comfortably and safely between milking, feeding, and sleeping areas. Here's an overview of our options:
Agri-Mat: Our best-selling multi-purpose mats feature a studded base for a unique, soft feel underfoot. They interlock seamlessly, providing excellent traction and preventing both injury and lameness.
Groove Belt: Renowned for extreme durability, our grooved roll walkways include a 5mm stainless steel cable inlay for guaranteed stretch resistance. The grooved top layer offers excellent traction while protecting your dairy cows' hooves.
Parlour Tiles: Perfect for milking parlors, these interlocking tiles are available in eight different colors and create a seamless, non-slip floor. Their easy-to-clean design ensures hygienic conditions in this critical area of your dairy farm.
Slat Mat: Custom-cut slats tailored to suit your needs provide a soft, safe surface for your animals to walk on, reducing lameness and promoting better overall condition.
To sum up…
Selecting the right rubber matting for your dairy herd is a critical decision that requires careful consideration. We hope this blog has helped you feel more confident in navigate the myriad of options available to you and your heard.
At Legend Rubber, we’re committed to providing high-quality rubber matting solutions that enhance the productivity and profitability of your dairy operation.
Like to speak to one of our experts today about how we can support you to boost your herd’s happiness and comfort?
