When the existing barn was expanded a few years ago Matthijs Pots consciously opted for Dual Waterbeds from Spinder. The choice came about after thorough consideration and and some visits to colleagues. Deep litter was considered too labor-intensive and a simple rubber mat would certainly not offer the cows enough comfort. offer enough comfort to the cows. The Dual Waterbed, thought Pots, would mean both high cow comfort and low workload: the right choice for cow and dairy farmer. Although the purchase price of waterbeds is higher than, say, a mattress, the longer lifespan actually makes for low annual costs. "I certainly have confidence in the durability of the Dual waterbeds. After all, it is a 'simple system'; a long double rubber mat, with water in it. Hygienic, easy to clean and lasting comfort"
The original part of the barn still has mattresses for the cows to rest on. The cows prefer the waterbed; especially when the weather is warmer. The waterbeds are cool, are comfortable, prevent pressure points and provide knee comfort when lying down and getting up. Any milk that has been left out runs off the convex waterbed. "We clean the stalls twice a day, and spread six buckets of sawdust with lime on 130 lying places. We already didn't have much of a problem with bare hocks, but this has gotten even a little better. The somatic cell count fluctuates around 100. All in all, we are very satisfied with our investment in waterbeds."
The following Spinder products are found in this project: