Self-Producing Factory-Professional Manufacturer
Cow Brushes: A Simple Tool to Boost Milk Yield and Cow Welfare
Sep 19,2025
Dairy farmers are always looking for ways to improve cow comfort, as it has a direct link to milk production. Among the many enrichment methods—such as providing deeper bedding or even playing music—installing cow brushes has attracted growing attention from researchers and producers alike.
More Milk, Less Stress
Studies have shown that cows naturally enjoy grooming, but this behavior is often limited in intensive housing systems. Mechanical brushes give them an easy way to scratch and clean themselves, which reduces stress and boredom.
Research by Schukken and Young found that second-lactation cows in barns with brushes produced 1kg more milk per day—a 3.5% increase—compared to those without access. Interestingly, this effect was not observed in first-lactation cows or those that had calved three or more times.
In addition to improved milk yield, the same study revealed that clinical mastitis cases were lower among cows with access to brushes, especially in second and later lactations. Considering that each case of mastitis can cost farmers around $427 per cow, according to Mississippi State University Extension, brushes can deliver real economic value.
Scientific Support for Comfort
Earlier research also backs these findings. A 2007 study led by T.J. DeVries concluded that brushes installed in areas cows couldn’t easily reach helped reduce frustration. More recently, manual brushing during milking sessions was shown to lower cortisol levels—the hormone associated with stress.
Precision Farming and the Bigger Picture
Cow brushes are just one piece of the larger precision agriculture movement, which combines technology and welfare improvements to maximize efficiency. For example, a 2024 study in Italy by Lovarelli et al highlighted that installing mechanical ventilation systems in dairy barns boosted milk production by an average of 4.4kg per cow, while barns equipped with both ventilation and automatic milking systems saw an even bigger jump of 7.4kg per cow per day.
Takeaway
From reducing stress and mastitis to boosting milk output, cow brushes are proving to be a cost-effective investment in both animal welfare and farm productivity. As research continues, it’s clear that small changes in cow comfort can deliver big results for dairy operations.
Hot Tags:
PREVIOUS:
Contact Us
CEO: Alan
Email: alan@virostech.com
Phone: +86-15215693689
Sales Manager: Edith
Email: Edith@virostech.com
Phone: +86-15215693689
Lianxin Brush Industry
CEO : Alan
Sales Manager: Edith
REQUEST QUOTE
Please pay attention to your email.