Cow beds

[MortenMilkMan]

Hi The Farming Forum! I have a question for you guys. I work on a dairy farm where the cows have mattreses in their stalls. But the mattreses are 20 years old now, they need to be changed. That's the easy part, the hard part is, what should replace them? Sand is not an option.
I have read a lot about waterbeds for cows, it should be the best possible option if you can't use sand or straw. But is it better than a mattress with a bottom layer of foam and a top of latex?
The waterbeds also costs more than the mattres option.
Do any of you guys have experience with waterbeds/mattreses? Which brand should i go for? We are looking for better cow comfort, longer laying times and fewer damages to the legs.
cheers.

 

[Scholsey]

Five reasons you should NOT buy DCC Waterbeds | Feel the Difference - DCC Waterbeds News | March 2013

 

[Scholsey]

Five reasons you should NOT buy DCC Waterbeds | Feel the Difference - DCC Waterbeds News | March 2013

Sorry that’s a rubbish article as a link, got 220 DCC waterbeds here and really pleased with them, use 5 bales of sawdust a day from a wheelbarrow and it’s plenty, cost more to buy but far less going forward.

 

[MortenMilkMan]

Thanks for the reply ?! Hos About keeping the beds clean? Since the waterbeds has these "squares" it creates places on the bed that is flat. Is dirt and manure not Going to end up there? And is it hard to keep clean?

 

[Scholsey]

Thanks for the reply ?! Hos About keeping the beds clean? Since the waterbeds has these "squares" it creates places on the bed that is flat. Is dirt and manure not Going to end up there? And is it hard to keep clean?

Bought a petrol walk behind brush 3 mornings a week, could do it with a good wide broom. Use a plastic Delaval hand scraper the other 4 days and they are good.