The cow wash: How an automatic brushing machine can improve milk production

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By Daily Mail Reporter

Udderly amazing: A cow closes its eyes and enjoys the brushing sensation created by the new machine


Looking your best can sometimes be hard work. But for this cow, it would appear that having a brush-up is one of life's pleasures.

The animal is enjoying a spell in the cow wash, which, according to its designers DeLaval, is welcome news for farmers as well.

The cow wash boosts milk production by improving the animal's blood circulation and stopping the spread of disease, says the company.

The company has already sold 30,000 cow washes in its native Sweden, and is now bringing the product to the UK.

A spokesman said the cows enjoy the sensation of being brushed and it can boost milk production by 3.5per cent.

He said: 'The swinging cow brush is a self-grooming device that keeps cows happier, healthier and more productive.

'The brush starts to rotate on contact at an animal-friendly speed. It swings freely in all directions, smoothly up, over and alongside the cow.


Moo-ving past: A cow walks forward as the machine rotates, not only cleaning the animal but improving its health as well by improving blood circulation


'The bristles have the right length and hardness to stimulate the blood circulation whilst helping the cow to keep clean and calm.

'It is very popular among dairy farmers. Cows using the swinging cow brush are cleaner, calmer and therefore more balanced.'

A study conducted by scientists in the USA found the brush resulted in better animal health due to an increase in blood circulation.

It also concluded that cows using the machine were 34 per cent less likely to suffer from clinical mastitis - a condition which results in milk abnormalities.

The research team also reported increased milk production of up 3.5 per cent for cows in a pen using the swinging cow brush.
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