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Test report 7498
The approval
A quality mark “DLG-APPROVED for single value-determining criteria” is awarded to agricultural products 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 Cattle” 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 23th October 2013, Annex 6) and DIN 3763:2022-08 (Elastic floorings for cattle and dairy cows walking and rest surfaces – Requirements and Testing). Other criteria were not investigated.
Assessment – brief summary
The Bioret Aquastar Waterbed tested here, an elastic floor covering for the resting area in cubicle houses, 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 23th October 2013, Annex 6) are met. Deformation and Elasticity class 4 DIN 3763.
Table 1: Overview of results
| DLG Quality profile | Evaluation* |
| Animal health | ✔ |
| Deformation and elasticity | ✔ |
* Evaluation range: requirements fulfilled (✔) / requirements not fulfilled (✖)
The product
Description and Technical Data
The Aquastar Waterbed tested here is an elastic floor covering for use in the resting area of high cubicles in cubicle houses; it contents waterbed with a latexfoam underlay.
- Surface with groove profil
- Thickness Latexfoam ca. 30 mm
- Thickness complete ca. 70 mm
- Shore A hardness: approx. 70
- laid as sheeting
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.
The test results in detail
Animal health
At three farms, the tarsi (ankle joints) of 118 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 29.6 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 9.0 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 29.6 mm to 25.6 mm. The bearing pressure increased from 9.0 N/cm² to 10.4 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
No noticeable wear was observed following exposure to permanent tread load on a test stand with 100,000 alternating loads at 10,000 N. Wear on the surface was detected and no lasting deformation was observed.
Table 2: Requirements for BTS conformity – test results – evaluation
| Requirement for BTS conformity2 | Test results | Evaluation | |
| Animal health | |||
| 1. Tarsi (ankle joints) with scabs or open wounds as % of examined tarsi | max. 25 % | 17.4 % | requirement met |
| 2. Tarsi with larger scabs (> 2 cm) or larger open wounds (> 2 cm) as % of examined tarsi | max. 8 % | 1.4 % | 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 rubber mat. | none | none | requirement met |
| 5. Behavioural abnormalities that could be caused by the rubber mat. | none | none | requirement met |
| Deformability and elasticity | |||
| 6. Penetration depth into the rubber mat in new condition | mind. 10 mm | 29.6 mm | requirement met |
| 7. Penetration depth into rubber mat following permanent tread load | mind. 8 mm | 25.6 mm | requirement met |
2 According to the requirements of the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture, Berne, of March 2004.
Bioret Agri
Z.I. de la Sangle
F-44390 Nort Sur Erdre Frankreich
Contact:
Telephone 0033 240 721230
Telefax 0033 240 722503
contact@bioret-agri.com
www.bioret-agri.com
Test implementation
DLG TestService GmbH, Standort Groß-Umstadt
The tests are conducted on behalf of DLG e.V.
DLG test framework
BTS programme regarding deformable mattresses for bovine livestock (Swiss Ethics Programme Ordinance of 23th October 2013, Annex 6)
Department
Agriculture
Division head
Dr. Michael Eise
Test engineer(s)
Dr. Harald Reubold *
* Author
Contact us
DLG TestService GmbH - Groß-Umstadt location • Max-Eyth-Weg 1 • 64823 Groß-Umstadt • Tel: +49 69 24 788-600 • tech@DLG.org