Rubber-coated flooring improves cow safety and welfare in alleyways

Rubber-coated flooring in alleys improves cow comfort, reduces lameness, and enhances productivity by providing a non-slip, soft surface. Concrete is hard and abrasive, increasing injury risk. Matting is recommended in high-traffic areas like turns and near feed managers. Proper installation and high-quality, cattle-specific materials are essential. Benefits include better hygiene, reduced milking time, and increased feed intake. Cows prefer rubber over concrete. However, reduced claw wear may lead to overgrown hooves. Matting should not cover all alleys. The method scores 5/5 for animal welfare and health. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme.