Advanced Robot were the first company with a dedicated robotic division and were able to pull data out of the robots regularly to make improvements on farm.
Focus on flooring for herd health
Decent walking surfaces and trained staff are key to minimising slips, falls and lameness. But surfaces increasingly wear over time, so it’s important to monitor cow movement and address any hazardous areas that offer poor grip, as British Dairying finds out.
“In dairy farming, small details can have a big impact on both herd health and profitability,” explains Eoghan Mullery, Technical Director, Advanced Ruminant Nutrition. “One often overlooked factor, is the walking surfaces in housed dairy cow systems. Injuries, slips, falls, and increased involuntary culling due to lameness are frequently linked to poor grip on these surfaces. Addressing these issues not only prevents injuries but also improves herd confidence, leading to healthier cows and ultimately higher profits.”
Whilst we sometimes underestimate the knock-on effect of cows slipping or losing grip while walking, Eoghan explains that the long-term consequences are often more severe than they appear. “While small injuries, such as a bruised quarter, can heal quickly, many slips result in permanent injuries that can severely impact a cow’s productivity and mobility.”
Injuries are not the only problem—changes in cow behaviour can ripple through the entire herd. "At risk" animals, such as heifers or cows with historic injuries, are particularly vulnerable, as are cows in season. A cow that is cautious due to fear of slipping is less likely to exhibit a strong heat, potentially impacting fertility.
Factors Affecting Cow Movement and Confidence
Before rushing to solutions like grooving or rubber matting, it’s essential to understand what influences cow movement and behaviour. Here are the key factors to consider:
Cubicle Comfort
Proper cubicle dimensions are crucial for cows to rise and lie down comfortably. Questions to ask include: How many cows are perching? What is cubicle occupancy like? How long does it take a cow to lie down after committing to a cubicle space?
Hygiene
Cleanliness of cubicles and walking surfaces is important. Are surfaces free from stones or obstacles? A clean environment encourages cows to move confidently.
Sharp Turns and Poor Lighting
While sharp turns are sometimes unavoidable, they can be mitigated with rubber matting and controlled, calm cow movement.
Staff Education
Well-trained staff are essential. Not only do they move cows effectively, but they can also identify high-risk areas where cows frequently slip or fall.
Cow behaviour shows that cows actively change their gait when navigating risky, low-grip areas. They have a strong memory for these hazards, but this adaptive behaviour comes with downsides. As Joe Kirby notes, “Cows will avoid danger zones, but this change in natural behaviour affects the entire herd. This is especially true for high-risk animals, such as heifers or cows with past injuries.”
Eoghan adds, “In many housed systems we move cows in groups, most commonly to and from the milking parlour. It may seem overly simple, but calmly moved cows, move quicker, creating less stress on the rest of the herd and on the staff caring for them. Poorly or quickly herded cows can’t walk with their heads down, so seeing the danger can be impossible.”
So, Eoghan advises that step 1 is “study your cows”. “Study individual cow movement and movement as a herd. A time lapse camera can be a great tool to identify herd behaviour, but often simply taking time to watch your cows is enough. That is of course if those watching cows appreciate how a cow should walk...
but that’s an entirely different discussion!”
So, what’s best for walking surfaces?
Grooving vs. Rubber
When considering solutions, the debate often comes down to rubber versus grooving. Joe explains, “Rubber matting works well in specific, high-traffic areas where cows have no choice but to stand, such as parlours or sharp corners, where cows need extra cushioning and grip. However, grooving is the better option for creating consistent, confidence-boosting surface across the entire farm. It allows for a more natural movement and reducing the risk of injuries throughout the herd.”
The Benefits of Diamond-Cut Grooving
Joe highlights the effectiveness of diamond-cut Accu-Step grooving as the best option for dairy farms. “The wide, 90-degree-edged grooves provide optimal grip, allowing cows to move naturally without fear of slipping.” This confidence leads to improved herd movement, reduced stress, and lower risks of long-term health issues like lameness.
Key Advantages of Diamond-Cut Grooves
Improved Cow Confidence
Grip from multiple angles encourages natural movement and reduces hesitation, which can minimise altered gait and prevent lameness.
Consistent Depth and Spacing
Accu-Step grooves are deep enough for traction but comfortable enough to prevent hoof damage, providing the perfect balance of grip and comfort.
Reduced Hoof Wear
While offering grip, the diamond-cut pattern is not overly abrasive, minimising excessive hoof wear and maintaining hoof health over time.
Effective Drainage
The diamond-shaped grooves channel moisture away, improving hygiene and reducing the risk of hoof diseases like digital dermatitis.
Durability
Diamond-cut grooves are highly durable and less prone to wear, ensuring long-lasting effectiveness, even in high-traffic areas.
When to Consider Re-Grooving or Resurfacing
Deciding when to re-groove, add new grooves, or resurface concrete depends on several factors. Joe suggests monitoring the frequency of slips and falls, evaluating hoof lesion trends, and assessing the depth of existing grooves. “Rough concrete can lead to hoof health issues, so it’s essential to maintain a surface that promotes both grip and comfort. Think about whether you need to plain down the current pattern before applying groove as bad stability in the floor can also increase lameness. Also, consider the age of the cows, smaller hoof dimensions make the mini groove option more desirable than the accu-groove dimensions for example.”
Eoghan suggests that as part of a whole farm approach to tackling lameness, observing the herd and creating a bespoke plan for your individual farm is key. “By taking the time to study the herd’s movement, we’ve seen our clients make targeted improvements to walking surfaces that has paid off with healthier, more productive cows and a stronger bottom line.”
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