Dairy Cow Welfare: Body Brushes and Positive Affective States

Automated rotating body brushes for dairy cows are a simple enrichment tool that promotes positive welfare states and reduces stress indicators.

Key Facts

Automated cow brushes are mounted in cow houses and activated by the cow
Cows spend an average of 3-4 minutes per visit to body brushes
Brush use increases with time as cows learn to operate them
Studies show reduced cortisol and increased milk production in herds with brushes
Body brushes are relatively inexpensive welfare investments

Welfare Considerations

Dairy cows in cubicle housing cannot groom themselves adequately without access to brushes. Natural grooming is a highly motivated behaviour in cattle that promotes positive affective states. Cows with body brush access show more active and engaged behaviour, reduced stress indicators, and improved cleanliness scores. The visible pleasure cows take in using brushes has made them one of the most publicly engaging welfare improvements in modern dairy farming. Body brushes represent an excellent return on welfare investment.

What You Can Do

Advocate for body brush provision in dairy housing welfare standards
Support dairy farms that invest in enrichment including body brushes
Encourage welfare certification schemes to include positive welfare indicators
Back research documenting positive affective states in dairy cows
Choose dairy products from farms with documented welfare enrichment programmes