Cow brushes: more than a cleaning tool

The use or lack of use of cow brushes may be an early sign of stress or disease in dairy cows
Cows spend their days doing basic activities, such as sleeping and eating, and luxury activities, such as
playing and exploring. These luxurious activities are reduced when the animal is stressed or sick. Brushes
are usually installed to help keep cows clean, increase milk yield and enrich the environment. cow
brushes
Can the use or non-use of cow brushes tell us how the cow feels?
Some researchers think so. In one study, cow brushes activity was recorded for a period of 56 days.
About 70% of the cows used cow brushes 4.5 times a day on average. cow brushes activity increased
with the length of the day and reached its peak around 6 pm. Cows were fed twice a day, on both sides
of where the caw brushes was installed, on the opposite side of the caw brushes, or on both sides. The
place of feeding had a great influence on the use of the caw brushes.
81% of the cows used it when the caw brush was available from the side of the cow. 68% of the time of
use was when food was available on both sides of the caw brushes. Only 53% of the time used was
when the feed was on the opposite side. The highest number of uses per day was when there was feed
in the caw brushes area. During testing, the temperature heat index (THI) was between 56 and
77degrees Fahrenheit. On days when feed was versus scrap, THI was negatively associated with caw
brushes use. THI did not have a significant effect on days when feed was available on the side or both
sides. During the night, when the cows were fed on the side of the caw brushes, its use increased
When the rectal ultrasound test was performed, on average, the use of cow brushes was reduced by
35%. The effect after ultrasound examination was not significant, but the use of cow brushes after
pregnancy was significantly less. This problem can occur as a result of stress from ultrasound testing and
artificial insemination, which may distract the animal from other activities. Results:
The use of caw brushes decreases due to stress or illness. This change in behavior can be a good
indicator for the diagnosis of previous diseases and more effective treatments in the future.