Kraiburg Walking Surface Cover for Cattle, Type KURA S
DLG SignumTest "deformability and material hardness, durability and elasticity, resistance to abrasion, slip resistance "
The Approval
The DLG SignumTest is based on the technical measurements on the test stands of the DLG Test Station as well as practical tests, behavioural observations, claw evaluation, and a survey among farms.
On the test stands, deformability and material hardness were tested in an impression test, durability and elasticity were measured by means of alternating loads, resistance to abrasion was determined in an abrasion test with emery cloth, slip resistance was established by means of sliding-pulling tests, and the resistance of the surface to lactic acid was tested according to DIN 51 958.
Assessment – Brief Summary
On the test stands, deformability and material hardness were tested in an impression test, durability and elasticity were measured by means of alternating loads, resistance to abrasion was determined in an abrasion test with emery cloth, slip resistance was established by means of sliding-pulling tests, and the resistance of the surface to lactic acid was tested according to DIN 51 958.
| Test criterion | Test result | Evaluation |
| Suitability | ||
Suitable as a walkingsurface | ||
TECHNICAL CRITERIA | ||
| Resistance to wear, durability, and ageing (test stand trials) | ||
| Abrasion test | good resistance to wear | + |
| Continuous tread load | no lasting deformation | + + |
| Surface | no noticeable wear | + |
| Underside | no noticeable wear | + |
| Acid test | no alterations to the cover | + |
| Dimensional stability | no noticeable alteration in length or width | + |
| Deformation | none | + + |
| Handling, installation | ||
| Installation by the owner | easy | + |
| Fastening | stable and safe | + |
| Instructions of installation | detailed and easily understandable | + + |
| Cleaning and disinfection | ||
| Soiling | Slits | O |
| Treading area | O | |
| Cleaning | No difficulties | + |
| High-pressure cleaner | Minimum distance 10 cm with a flat-jet nozzle | + |
| Minimum distance 30 cm with a coarse dirt nozzle | + | |
| Warranty, recycling | ||
| 5 years | ||
| Mat is taken back by the manufacturer | + | |
ANIMAL-RELATED CRITERIA | ||
| Behavioural observations | ||
| Motion behaviour | increased activity | + |
| Comfort-/oestrous behaviour | pronounced | + |
| Slip resistance | ||
| Slip resistance during sliding tests | good | + |
| Footing safety | good | + |
| Claw evaluation | ||
| Mechanical-traumatic result | significant positive influence | + + |
| Form of bearing surface | projecting in more than 85% of the claws | + + |
| Deformability and elasticity [1] | ||
| Walking measurement in new condition | 3.85 mm, very good | + + |
| Walking measurement following endurance test | 3.8 mm, very good | + + |
| Lying measurement in new condition | 7.7 mm | O |
| Lying measurement following endurance | 7.9 mm | O |
| Toxicological safety | ||
| Confirmed by the manufacturer | O |
Requirements of the DIN 3763:2022-08 criteria are fulfilled.
Deformation and Elasticity corres ponds to class 2 DIN 3763 for single pens for calves. [2]
Evaluation scale: + + / + / O / – / –– (O = standard)
[1] supplemented by lying measurement
[2] supplemented by DIN standard
Test results
I. SUITABILITY
The walking surface cover type KURA S from Kraiburg is suitable as a floor cover for slatted floors in cattle stalls.
II. TECHNICAL CRITERIA
Resistance to wear, durability, and ageing
In a standardized abrasion test, the floor was rubbed with emery cloth (grit size: 280) at a pressure of 500 N (area pressure: 8.1 N/cm²). After 10,000 double strokes, abrasion depth was 1.0 mm. This corresponds to ca. 4 % of the cover height. Of the rubbed surface (61.5 cm²), 1.8 g were abraded. Small abrasion depth and little abrasion therefore allow the conclusion to be drawn that the abrasion resistance of the floor cover is good.
After exposure to a continuous tread load on a test stand with a steel foot (contact area: 75 cm²), no noticeable wear (surface and under side) and no damage to the walking surface cover were determined after 250,000 alternating loads of 5,000 N (corresponding to ca. 500 kg). Lasting deformation was not found.
An acid test with lactic acid according to DIN 51 958 did not show any damage to the cover, such as signs of swelling, softening, or destruction.
Dimensional stability
After proper installation, noticeable length- or width-alteration did not occur in practical use during the test period.
Deformation was not observed.
Handling, installation
The instructions of installation are detailed and easily understandable thanks to the illustrations (a CD-ROM with an installation sequence is also included.)
The condition for problem-free use is that the walking surface cover exactly fits the slatted floor elements in the stall. This requires precise measurement of the slatted floor at the individual location.
For every slatted floor geometry (surface elements, diagonal surface floor, individual beams), the company Kraiburg can manufacture fitting covers. The necessary measurements should be taken by the supplier.
The cover can be easily installed by the stall owner. After the mats have been put on the slatted floor elements, one must make sure that the slits of the cover exactly fit the slits of the slatted floor element.
Afterwards, the fixing elements out of rubber are driven through the gaps in the cover into the slit underneath. Slight lubrication of the fixing elements (e.g. with the aid of water) makes it easier to drive the fixing elements into the slit. The fixing of the walking surface cover has proven stable and safe during the test period.
Cleaning / soiling
The cleaning of the walking surface cover does not cause any difficulties. During test stand trials with a high-pressure cleaner (approximately 145 bar, cleaning time: 1 minute), damage to the cover only occurred if a minimum distance of 30 cm during use with a coarse dirt nozzle and 10 cm during use with a flat-jet nozzle was not kept. Underneath the walking surface cover, moisture (urine and faeces) may accumulate. This cannot be avoided.
In order to clean and disinfect the cover, only agents should be used which the manufacturer has approved for the cover.
Before and after the installation of the cover, walking surface soiling was examined. For each walkingarea, the soiling of a slatted floor element was evaluated (at least four elements per stall) and documented by means of a photo. During this evaluation, the soiling of both the slit- and the treading areas was assessed. In addition, the ambient temperature and relative humidity were measured. The evaluations were carried out within four weeks before and after installation on three different days. Evaluation followed the criteria listed in Table 1.
The soiling of the slit- and treading areas did not increase after the installation of the walking surface cover KURA S.
Table 1: Evaluation criteria for soiling
| Treading area (faeces height > 1 cm) | Slit |
| 1. At least 75 % of the treading area clear | 1. At least 75 % of the slits clear |
| 2. At least 50 % of the treading area clear | 2. At least 50 % of the slits clear |
| 3. At least 25 % of the treading area clear | 3. At least 25 % of the slits clear |
| 4. Treading area fully closed | 4. Slits fully closed |
Warranty and recycling
According to the warranty conditions, the manufacturer grants warranty for 5 years.
If the customer assumes the costs of freight, the manufacturer takes the cover back in clean condition.
The manufacturer has obliged himself in writing to take the mat back.
III. ANIMAL-RELATED CRITERIA
Behavioural observations
The behavioural observations were carried out in a lying box loose house of the test farm, where ca. 70 dairy cows of the race German Holstein were kept.
Motion behaviour
After the installation of the walking surface cover, the motional activity of the cows increased significantly. The motions were smooth and relaxed. During the direct observation of ten randomly chosen animals, strides of 65 to 90 cm were measured while the gait of the animals was smooth and even.
As compared with the reference farm, the average stride was slightly longer. Due to increased motion activity, the animals slip without their behaviour being visibly impaired.
The position of the head during walking was observed in 30 animals. In these observations, a distinction was made between a high position of the head (i.e. the angle between the neck-withers line and the extended back line is smaller than 20°) and a low position of the head (angle larger than 20°).
70 % of the animals observed showed a high position and 30 % a low position of the head. A high position of the head speaks in favour of secure, relaxed motions.
Comfort- and oestrous behaviour
Over a period of one hour, a total of 15 active animals were observed (dairy cows which neither rested in a lying box nor ate at the feeding table). During this time, licking in the rear part of the body was observed 8 times. In all cases, the animals stood securely on three legs.
In the form of frequent covering, oestrous behaviour was quite pronounced. Both the covering and the covered dairy cows stood securely on the walkingarea cover without slipping.
After the installation of the walking surface cover, some animals on the test farm were observed lying in the walkingarea. If the lying boxes are not equipped optimally, there is a growing risk of animals lying in the walkingarea more often.
Claw evaluation
During the test period, the claws of all cows on the test farm were trimmed and evaluated three times. Only those cows (27 animals) were assessed which were able to be examined on all three evaluation dates. The results were registered based on fixed evaluation criteria (cf. table 2). At the time of the first evaluation, which was carried out two weeks before the installation of the walking surface cover, the animals stood on a slatted concrete floor. Three months after installation, the second evaluation was carried out followed by the third assessment six months later. Claw evaluation also included the measurement of the dorsal wall length (cf. figure 2) of the claws.
Table 2: Evaluation criteria for claws
| Evaluation bearing surface | |
| Ü (1-3)* | Projecting bearing surface |
| R (1-3)* | Round wall |
| Mechanical-traumatic results | |
| DS | double sole |
| D | press mark |
| R 6 | pressure laminitis (laminitis due to excess load) |
| RSG | claw sole ulcer at the typical pressure point of the claw under load |
| KSG | claw sole ulcer |
| WD | white line defect |
| LW | loose wall |
| WL | wall lesion / wall ulcer |
| Rot | rotating claw (one claw is pulled up at the top due to sinew alteration) |
| SD | tip defect |
| Infections and other results | |
| F | rot; |
| 1 = diffuse; 2 = V- or layer-shaped furrows; | |
| 3 = corium exposed | |
| R | laminitis; |
1-3 sub-acute form; | |
| form (laminitis claw) | |
| Z | phlegmon between the claws / panaritium |
| M | Mortellaro's disease (degree of severeness 1-3) |
| Li | Limax (tylome / bulge between the claws) |
| VK | enlarged claw, front: outer claw; rear: inner claw |
| ZW | wound / inflammation of the skin between the claws |
* 1-3 describes the percentage of the wall affected in thirds of total length
Claw diagnoses
Figure 3 shows the number of mechanical-traumatic results among the 27 animals examined on the individual evaluation dates. Before the installation of the walking surface cover, 259 mechanical-traumatic results per 100 cows were registered. In principle, all diagnostic criteria were applied to every claw. Therefore, it was possible that more than one diagnosis per claw was made.
After the installation of the walking surface cover KURA S, just 92 mechanical-traumatic results were found after nine months. Thus, a clearly positive influence on the reduction of mechanical-traumatic results was recorded.
The number of infections (rot and Mortellaro) per 100 animals is shown in Figure 4.
Before the installation of the walking surface cover, 178 infections per 100 cows were found on the test farm. It was possible that more than one diagnosis per claw was made.
After the installation of the walking surface cover KURA S, just 17 infections were found after nine months.
The chart shows that other factors in addition to the walking surface cover have an influence on the number of infections found.
Shape of the bearing surface
Figure 5 shows the effects of the bearing surface on the shape of the bearing surface: Before the installation of the walking surface cover, a round wall was found in 82 % of the claws. After nine months on the walking surface cover KURA S, a protruding bearing surface was determined in 91 % of the claws.
Dorsal wall length of the claw
After a housing time of six months on the walking surface cover KURA S, the average length of the dorsal wall of the claw had increased by 0.9 cm. Therefore, the claws should be trimmed at least twice per year.
Slip resistance
Sliding-pulling tests with a round plastic foot (contact area: 75 cm²) at a speed of 20 mm/s showed good slip resistance on a dry and a wet new cover. After 3 months of practical use, the sliding-pulling tests were repeated at a minimum of 12 points in the stall (at least three points per walkingarea).
The measured friction coefficients (µ) were all above the minimum of µ = 0.45, which indicates secure footing. During the production of the walking surface cover, a silicone release agent is used. For this reason, secure footing is impaired at the beginning. This silicone film disappears after a few days.
Deformability and elasticity [3]
Lying measurement
In the ball penetration tests in new condition with a calotte (r = 120 mm), penetration depth was 7.7 mm. The resulting calculated bearing pressure of 34.5 N/cm indicates a load on the carpal joints when lying down and getting up.
Elasticity was measured following a permanent tread load exerted by a steel foot (contact area: 75 cm) with 250,000 alternating loads at 5,000 N.
Following the endurance test, the penetration depth of the calotte increased from 7.7 mm to 7.9 mm. The bearing pressure decreased from 34.5 N/cm to 33.6 N/cm.
This means that deformability and elasticity slightly increase (see figure 6).
Walking measurement
During ball impression tests in new condition with a steel foot (contact area: 75 cm²) at a penetration force of 2,000 N (corresponding to 200 kg), penetration depth was 3.85 mm. Elasticity was measured after exposure to a continuous tread load exerted by a steel foot (contact area: 75 cm²) in the form of 250,000 alternating loads of 5,000 N.
After the long-term trial, the penetration depth of the steel foot diminished from 3.85 mm to 3.8 mm (average values of three measurements each). This means that deformability decreases very slowly.
Toxicological safety
The manufacturer confirmed the toxicological safety of the floor cover.
IV. SURVEY RESULT
A survey among 12 farms which have used the walking surface cover for up to one year confirmed the test results.
On the farms, a total of 2,670 m² of the walking surface cover were installed. On 83 % of the farms, the cover was installed by the stall owner. 83 % of those questioned stated that installation was easy and practical.
After the installation of the walking surface cover, 91 % of those surveyed did not see any change in the soiling of the slatted floor.
On more than 90 % of the farms, a considerable change in animal behaviour (altered head position and more active oestrous behaviour) was determined. On four farms, some cows lie in the walkingareas after the walking surface cover has been installed.
On 83 % of the farms, signs of mechanical-traumatic claw injuries decreased. Claw alterations (bearing surface, claw length) occurred in 100 % of the cases.
All those questioned give the walking surface cover KURA-S a good to very good overall assessment and would buy it again if necessary.
Summary
The walking surface cover type KURA S from Kraiburg is suitable as a floor cover for slatted floors in cattle stalls.
Applicant and Test implementation
Applicant
Manufacturer and registering company
Gummiwerk KRAIBURG Elastik GmbH & Co. KG
Göllstraße 8
84529 Tittmoning
Contact
Telephone +49 (0)8683 701-0
Telefax +49 (0)8683 701-126
info@kraiburg-elastik.de
www.kraiburg-agri.com
Realization of the tests
DLG-Prüfstelle für Landmaschinen, Max-Eyth-Weg 1,
64823 Groß-Umstadt
Practical use
Wolf/Schäfer GbR,
64739 Höchst
DLG test committee
Dr. agr. Steffen Pache, Köllitsch
Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Pelzer, Bad Sassendorf
Reiner Schmidt, Ronneburg
Dipl.-Ing. agr. Klaus-Werner Wolf, Höchst
Dr. med. vet./Dipl.-Ing. agr. Univ. Wilfried Wolter, Giessen
DLG committee for animal welfare
Frau Dr. sc. agr. Christiane Müller, Trenthorst
Published
mit Förderung durch das Bundesministerium für Verbraucherschutz, Ernährung und Landwirtschaft.
Reporting engineer
Dipl.-Ing. agr. Harald Reubold, Groß-Umstadt
Contact
DLG TestService GmbH - Groß-Umstadt location • Max-Eyth-Weg 1 64823 Groß-Umstadt Germany • Tel.: +49(0)69 24 788-611 • tech@DLG.org