Introduction to the challenge addressed

The Belgian Blue cattle in Belgium have a thicker coat and are more sensitive to lice and scabies than Holstein cattle. On videos and photos, you see almost only installations on dairy farms. Why?

Description of Innovation

When Belgian Blues are stabled, it is recommended to shave them.  When the animals have access to a cow brush the problems with scabies and lice are much better under control. 

If necessary you can add a liquid in a storage container to kill the lices. This measure significantly improves animal welfare and animal health. The animals are calmer and have better growth rates.

Impact on farm performance

So this measure is better for :

  • The animal welfare and animal health.
  • The farmer's return. The animals are calmer and have better growth rates. 

The price of a cow brush varies from 100 to 1500 euro, whether or not electrically driven.

The use of cow brushes on beef farms is therefore recommended.