Progiene Feed Screed is a three part epoxy resin based material that has been developed for use in feed passages or troughs to produce a smooth, easily cleaned feed surface which is resistant to harsh chemicals and mechanical wear and tear. It’s like your cows have a plate!
Concrete is easily corroded by the acidity in silage based diets and very quickly becomes rough. As a result, feed intakes are reduced, cleaning becomes difficult and feed wastage increases. Cows like eating down onto a smooth, light coloured surface and may consume up to 10% more (NADIS). An extra 0.5kg/cow equates to £90 extra milk per cow per year.
If you run your knuckles over the feed surface and it hurts, it will discourage cows from licking the surface clean and finishing their ration.
Space allocation is also important to help prevent low ranking cows or heifers from eating fewer meals which can lead to acidosis and laminitis.