Introducing DCC Waterbeds XC, ACT's upgrade to the 3rd generation isolated-chamber cow waterbed, extra comfort for your free-stall bedding

Introducing DCC Waterbeds XC, ACT's upgrade to the 3rd generation isolated-chamber cow waterbed, extra comfort for your free-stall bedding

Expanded isolated water chambers ensure even more support and coverage for knees and hocks when the cow is laying down

Advanced Comfort Technology, Inc., is proud to bring dairy producers an upgrade to the third generation isolated design of dairy waterbed technology.  The extra comfort (XC) offered by the new design will provide the most comfortable free-stall bedding solution, yet. The expanded water chambers offer even more comfort for the cow's knees and her body, with the ultimate in cow comfort, consistency, cushion, and support.

DCC Waterbeds ISO®, with two independent chambers have been providing comfort to cows around the world since 2013. DCC Waterbeds float the hocks, knees, and udder.  They are a proven, comfortable alternative to deep- bedded sand or solids. The DCC Waterbeds XC design offers even more comfort for the cow when she’s in the lying position by expanding the water flotation surface area of the bed.

"We found an opportunity to expand the lying space while maintaining the long-life performance of DCC Waterbeds.  The XC design provides extra comfort for the cow by expanding the water chambers," said Scott Hartwell, CEO and Managing Partner of ACT, Inc., and designer of DCC Waterbeds XC. "With DCC Waterbeds, no other bedding system has been in barns for 20 years and has dairy producers saying that they look as good as day one. DCC Waterbeds are built to last, and the ISO XC is built for maximum comfort."

Unlike traditional flat mats, water can never pack, ensuring long lasting comfort. Unlike deep bedding, DCC Waterbeds are consistent every time a cow drops to the laying position. DCC Waterbeds help simplify manure management while providing proven high levels of cow comfort and support.

Headquartered in Wisconsin, Advanced Comfort Technology, Inc., is a second-generation, family-owned company that distributes DCC Waterbeds® worldwide. ACT, Inc., has been improving dairy cow comfort by providing waterbeds for cows since 1999. For more information, visit www.DCCWaterbeds.com.  For more information about DCC Waterbeds, contact Vice-President and Managing Partner, Amy Throndsen, at 608-709-2693. 

Cow Comfort Leads to Milk Production and Cow Longevity

Tender Loving Care Consulting with Tom Lorenzen will lead us through common questions about how stall comfort for your dairy cows leads to milk production and cow longevity.

"Cows position themselves in every valuable inch of the stall," Lorenzen says.

New England Dairy visits Freund's Farm, home of CowPots

On July 22, 2020 New England Dairy hosted a live virtual farm tour at Freund's Farm in East Canaan, CT.

You can watch 3rd generation dairy farmer, Amanda Freund, give a tour of her family's farm and talk about how they care for their cows, the land, environment and their community. You'll also have a chance to learn about her dad's invention, CowPots.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDxiHFv1o7w&feature=youtu.be

Cow Water Beds Make For Sweet Dreams And More Milk→

Source: Scott Poock, 573-882-6359; Stacey Hamilton, 417-466-2148

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Water beds for cows improve comfort and milk production at the University of Missouri’s Foremost Dairy Research Center near Columbia.

MU Extension veterinarian Scott Poock and dairy specialist Stacey Hamilton are part of the Foremost team that researches how the beds improve herds. They monitor cows on cameras and record data about resting times and milk production.

Foremost began using the new beds in fall 2018. Cows adapted quickly, Hamilton says, with an estimated 75 percent of the herd using the beds by the second day.

The amount of rest a cow receives affects the quantity of milk she produces. In freestyle barn operations, dairy operators want cows to lie down 12-14 hours per day to prevent lameness and increase milk production. With the water beds, cows stay longer in stalls and lie down sooner, Poock says. Before the water beds, cows lay down an average of 8.5 minutes after entering a stall. They now lie down within five minutes.

The dual-chamber beds offer extra support for the cow’s knees. Once the cow kneels, the pillows offer a cushion for pressure points with gentle support. Strong joints provide better stability and prevent leg and foot injuries, sores and infections that can reduce mobility.

It is “all about cow comfort” and profit for the herd owner, says Hamilton. “Comfortable cows are happier and make more milk.”

Foremost staff put wood chips in the stalls to cover the water beds and catch waste. If Foremost used sand, it would take 50 pounds of sand per day per 160 stalls. The water beds are an easier option, Hamilton says.

The bovine beds cost about a third more than beds previously used at Foremost. Those beds, made of interlocking chopped rubber pieces, deteriorated with time and use.

Many dairy farms still use sand, straw, wood shavings or grass to keep stalls dry and comfortable for cows. Foremost Dairy is among a growing number of dairy farms using the new technology.

Last year, the BBC reported that cows at Queen Elizabeth II’s farm at Windsor Castle enjoy the luxury of water beds. Queen Elizabeth also pampers her cattle with green pastures and automatic brushes that remove dirt and relieve stress. The queen’s dairy uses robotics to milk cows and clean barn floors.

Meanwhile, across the pond, Foremost cows receive the royal treatment too.

Learn more about the Foremost Dairy Research Center at ForemostDairy.missouri.edu.

FROM: http://www.mycaldwellcounty.com/farm-agriculture/cow-water-beds-make-sweet-dreams-and-more-milk