Griglio sand-filled honeycomb stall mat
DLG-APPROVED: "BTS Cattle1 (Females)"
DLG-APPROVED Single value-determining criteria
A quality mark “DLG-APPROVED for single value-determining criteria” is awarded to agricultural pro-
ducts which successfully passed a smaller-scope DLG usability test according to independent and recognized evaluation criteria. The test intends to highlight special innovations and key criteria of the test item. The test can focus on criteria from the DLG testing framework for full tests or on other individual features or qualitative criteria. The minimum requirements, the test conditions and procedures as well as the evaluation guidelines of the test results are determined in consultation with a DLG expert group. They comply with the generally recognized technology rules as well as with scientific and agricultural knowledge and requirements. The successful test concludes with the publishing of a test report and the awarding of a quality mark which is valid for five years following the award date.
The DLG Approved “BTS Cattle1” included joint inspections and behavioural observations during standing up and lying down in three working farms, as well as measurement of deformability on test rigs at the DLG Test Center Technology and Farm Inputs. Data was acquired and analysed in accordance with the “Requirements of the BTS Programme Regarding Deformable Mattresses for Bovine Livestock” (Swiss Ethics Programme Ordinance of 25th June 2008, Annex 3). Other criteria were not investigated.
Assessment – Brief Summary
The Griglio sand-filled honeycomb stall mat tested here was investigated with regard to comfort characteristics on test rigs in the DLG Appoved Test “BTS Cattle1”. Joint inspections were carried out
in three real-life farms, and behavioural observations were made during standing up and lying down. The requirements of the BTS programme regarding deformable mattresses for bovine livestock (Swiss Ethics Programme Ordinance of 25th June 2008, Annex 3) are met.
Product
Griglio sand-filled honeycomb stall mat
Description and technical data
Griglio sand-filled honeycomb stall mat. Made of rubber for deep-bedding stalls for cows and bovine animals.
- with 36 square holes, approx ca. 28,5 cm x 20 cm, that are filled with sand
- straw chaff should be spread over the surface to a depth of approx. 5 cm
- length approx. 151 cm, width approx. 113 cm, height approx. 12.5 cm
- weight approx. 50 kg for each mat
- shore hardness A: approx. 82
The mats are fastened to the designated fastening points on the floor using 12 bolts plus washers and dowels.
The Method
Deformability and elasticity
The deformability is measured using ball-indentation tests in new condition and following permanent tread load with a calotte (r = 120 mm) and a penetration force of 2,000 N (corresponding to approx. 200 kg).
Permanent tread load
The permanent tread load is measured on a test rig with a round steel foot with 100,000 alternating loads at 10,000 N (corresponding to approx. 1,000 kg). The steel foot is adapted to the natural conditions as an “artificial cow foot”. The foot has a diameter of 105 mm and therefore a contact area of 75 cm²; the carrying edge of the hoof is simulated by a 5 mm wide ring on the periphery of the sole that projects 1 mm above the rest of the surface.
Animal health
At a minimum of three farms, the tarsi (ankle joints) of all2 cows held in the relevant cowsheds are examined by an independent specialist with relevant experience, and the animals’ behaviour while standing up and lying down on the floor covering is observed. Mats of the make to be tested are installed in all cubicles at least three months before examination. The examined cows are held exclusively in the relevant cowshed for at least three months before the examination; i.e. they have no access to grazing.
depth of the calotte (r = 120 mm) as function of bearing pressure
The Test Results in Detail
Animal health
At three farms, the tarsi (ankle joints) of 103 cows were examined by an independent specialist with relevant experience, and the animals’ behaviour while standing up and lying down on the floor covering was observed. The requirements relating to BTS conformity are met.
Deformability and elasticity
A penetration depth of 26.6 mm was determined in ball-indentation tests in new condition with a calotte (r = 120 mm) and a penetration force of 2,000 N (corresponding to approx. 200 kg). A bearing pressure of 10.0 N/cm² was calculated from this, indicating a relatively small load on the carpal joints when lying down and standing up. The elasticity was measured following a permanent loading test with a steel foot (contact area 75 cm²) with 100,000 alternating loads at 10,000 N. Following the endurance test, the penetration depth of the calotte decreased from 26.6 mm to 11.4 mm. The bearing pressure increased from 10.0 N/cm² to 23.3 N/cm² (see Figure 2). This corresponds to a decrease in deformability and elasticity. The requirements relating to BTS conformity are met.
Permanent tread load
Clear wear was observed at the base of the honeycomp following permanent tread load with a steel foot (contact area 75 cm²) on a test rig with 100,000 alternating loads at 10,000 N (corresponding to approx. 1,000 kg). Permanent deformation was observed.
Table 1: Requirements for BTS conformity – test results – evaluation
| Requirement for BTS conformity3 | Test results | Evaluation | |
| Animal health | |||
| 1. Tarsi (ankle joints) with scabs or open wounds as % of examined tarsi | max. 25 % | 8,8 % | requirement met |
| 2. Tarsi with larger scabs (> 2 cm) or larger open wounds (> 2 cm) as % of examined tarsi | max. 8 % | 1,5 % | requirement met |
| 3. Tarsi with another serious change (e.g. change in size) as % of examined tarsi | max. 1 % | 0 % | requirement met |
| 4. Other serious physical harm to the animals that could be caused by the sand-filled honeycomb stall mat | none | none | requirement met |
| 5. Behavioural abnormalities that could be caused by the sand-filled honeycomb stall mat. | none | none | requirement met |
| Deformability and elasticity | |||
| 6. Penetration depth into the sand-filled honeycomb stall mat in new condition | min. 10 mm | 26,6 mm | requirement met |
| 7. Penetration depth into the sand-filled honeycomb stall mat following permanent tread load | min. 8 mm | 11,4 mm | requirement met |
Summary
The tested Griglio sand-filled honeycomb stall mat meets the requirements of the BTS pro-
gramme regarding deformable mattresses for bovine livestock (Swiss Ethics Programme Ordinance of 25th June 2008, Annex 3).
3 According to the requirements of the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture, Berne, of March 2004
Manufacturer/Applicant
Genial Project
Strada Proviciale 20
I-26010 Salvirola (CR)
Contact:
Telephone: +39 0373 72212
Fax: +39 0373 72046
info@genialproject.com
www.genialproject.com
Test execution
DLG e.V.,
Test Center
Technology and Farm Inputs,
Max-Eyth-Weg 1,
64823 Groß-Umstadt
Germany
DLG Testing Framework
BTS programme regarding deformable mattresses for bovine livestock (Swiss Ethics Programme Ordinance of 25th June 2008, Annex 3)
Field
Indoor operations
Project manager
Dipl.-Ing. agr. Susanne Gäckler
Test engineer(s)
Dr. Harald Reubold *
* Test engineer(s)
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