More milk through more rest? How cow comfort increases milk production

More milk through more rest? How lying comfort can increase cows' milk production

Dairy farming is all about healthy, productive cows. But did you know that something as seemingly simple as lying down has a direct impact on milk production? Cows that are comfortable lying down have been shown to give more milk. In this article you will learn how lying comfort increases the well-being and efficiency of your herd and how you can easily manage this.

Lying behaviour and milk production: how lying down more leads to more milk

A dairy cow ideally lies down for 12 to 14 hours a day. Research shows that each additional lying hour can produce up to 1.59 kg of extra milk per day. The more comfortable a cow lies down, the more lying hours she makes and the better she performs.

What determines good lying comfort in dairy cattle?

Lying comfort is influenced by several factors:

• Cubicles: the right dimensions for maximum lying comfort
  If the cubicle dimensions are right and the layout takes into account the cow's natural behaviour, such as lying down and getting up easily, cows will be more likely to lie down. More lying hours ensure better blood flow to the udder and higher rumen activity, which both lead to increased milk production.

• Enough lying places: prevent stress and increase milk production
  When there are enough lying places for the number of cows in the barn (preferably at least one lying place per cow), there is less competition and stress between the animals. This allows them to lie down faster and longer. This directly contributes to more lying hours, which is crucial for milk production because lying cows ruminate more and rest better, which supports milk production.

• Comfortable surface encourages lying down and improves milk yield
  A comfortable surface encourages cows to lie down longer and more often. A soft surface prevents painful joints and pressure spots, which increases lying comfort. The more comfortable the surface, the faster cows lie down and the longer they stay down, which in turn contributes to better metabolism and ultimately higher milk production.

• Hygiene in the cubicle: prevent mastitis and milk loss
  Hygienic conditions in the cubicles prevent infections such as udder infection (mastitis), which negatively affect lying comfort and milk production. A clean lying area encourages cows to lie down more, without risk of contamination or disease.

The Meadow Mesa cow mattress: developed for many comfortable lying hours

For dairy farmers who want to invest in comfort, the new Meadow Mesa cow mattress offers a smart solution. This mattress is specially designed to stimulate cow lying behaviour.

It consists of an 8 cm thick latex foam mattress, which moulds to the cow's body. This ensures excellent pressure distribution and optimal support. The cow lies comfortably and gets up again easily, thanks to the rubber top mat with extra grip.

Thanks to the resilient latex, the mattress returns to its original shape every time - even after years of intensive use. The top mat is also easy to clean and prevents accumulation of dirt and bacteria.

What does better lying comfort benefit you as a dairy farmer?

The effect of more lying comfort is quickly noticeable in practice:

• More lying hours per cow
• Higher milk production per day
• Fewer claw and joint problems
• Lower veterinary costs
• Easier to keep barns clean
• Years of reliable comfort without distortion

Start checking the comfort of your barn with the Cow Comfort Index!