How mechanical brushing can support cow health, milk production and stress reduction
Mechanical brushes are increasingly recognized as a vital tool for improving cow welfare, far beyond basic grooming. The science behind brushing shows compelling benefits in stress reduction, physiological well-being and even productivity.
Why grooming plays a role in cow wellbeing
Stress reduction and emotional wellbeing in cows
Studies show that cows have a nervous system similar to humans, with emotional processing mediated by comparable neurotransmitters [i].
Grooming is part of their coping behaviour: it reduces discomfort, lowers stress and promotes positive emotional states. When brushes are available, cows show more relaxed posture, steady breathing patterns and reduced agitation [ii].
In one striking behavioural experiment, researchers expected that hungry cows would prioritize food over grooming access, but cows worked equally hard to access a brush as they did to reach fresh feed. This underlines how essential brushing is for wellbeing.
How brushing improves health and skin cleanliness
Mechanical brushing improves skin condition, removes dust and debris, stimulates circulation and reduces the risk of irritation or minor skin infections. A clean skin surface helps the cow regulate temperature and lowers parasite pressure. Research also shows that brush use is reduced when cows feel unwell, making brush behaviour a potential early welfare indicator [iii].
Effects on productivity: milk production and recovery
Several studies highlight that mechanical brushes contribute indirectly to improved performance:
- Cows using a mechanical brush show lower stress levels post‑calving [iv].
- Brush availability promotes movement, leading to better feed intake patterns.
- Second‑lactation cows with access to brushes have shown up to 3.5% higher milk yield compared to those without access [v].
A relaxed and healthy cow produces better, recovers faster after calving and maintains stronger immunity.
How the Lely Luna supports these outcomes
The Lely Luna’s design, including two-direction rotation, spiral bristles, overload protection and ergonomic brush angle, ensures cows can perform natural high‑intensity brushing safely and effectively. This supports relaxation, increases comfort and encourages regular grooming.
Because it targets difficult-to-reach areas such as the back and tail base, the Luna plays a meaningful role in reducing itchy spots and supporting overall hygiene. Combined with its low‑energy motor and durable build, it provides farmers with a long-term welfare solution backed by both engineering and behavioural science.
Sources:
[i] Give a Cow a Brush, and Watch It Scratch That Itch - The New York Times
[ii] Environmental Enrichment for Dairy Cattle: Hair Brushing
[iii] Automated monitoring of brush use in dairy cattle | PLOS One
[iv] Effects of Using Mechanical Brushes on the Productive Performance of Dairy Cows
[v] Cow Brushes: A Simple Tool to Boost Milk Yield and Cow Welfare-Anhui LianXin Brush Industry - Brush production factory
Disclaimer: Not all results have been verified by Lely. Actual results may vary, and no rights can be derived from the information in this article.
Other Farming Insights
Why cows love to brush
For dairy cows, grooming is far more than a luxury, it is an essential behaviour linked to comfort, welfare and emotional balance. Many farmers are surprised to learn how strongly cows are motivated to scratch and brush themselves. In fact, controlled experiments have shown that cows will work just as hard to access a mechanical brush as they do to access fresh feed, underlining how important grooming is to them as a natural need.
Cows experience itchiness, loose hair, parasites, dust, sweat build‑up and general irritation on different parts of the body throughout the day. Their instinct is to rub against trees, posts or rough surfaces. However, in modern barns these natural scratching objects are often unavailable. This makes a mechanical cow brush a powerful enrichment tool, one that allows cows to express natural grooming behaviour that would otherwise be restricted.
