Research consistently shows that cows are strongly motivated to use brushes, actively seeking them out and spending significantly more time grooming when brushes are available. Access to brushes supports positive welfare outcomes by reducing boredom, encouraging natural behaviour and helping cows maintain their own skin and coat condition.
Regular grooming helps remove dirt, loose hair and external parasites, contributing to cleaner coats and improved hygiene. Studies have linked brush access with reduced stress indicators, improved comfort and calmer herd behaviour.
Research also suggests that changes in brush use may provide an early indicator of health issues, as cows experiencing illness or discomfort often reduce their grooming activity.
For dairy farmers, investing in enrichment tools can deliver benefits beyond welfare. Scientific reviews have reported associations between brush access and improved milk production, although results vary between studies and farm systems. What is clear is that cows like access to brushes and will use them frequently when given the opportunity.
Brush features that make a difference
- Engineered and manufactured in Germany
- Durable galvanised steel construction
- Spring-loaded and flexible brush designs adapt to different animal sizes
- Indoor and outdoor installation options
- Replaceable brush components available on selected models
- Designed to promote natural grooming while withstanding heavy day-to-day farm use
HappyCow Scratch Brushes can help redirect scratching away from fences, rails and infrastructure, saving time and money. They can provide environmental enrichment for housed or confined cattle and be set up in calving pens or adjacent to milking sheds.
One customer said of the Multi-Use Scratch Brush: “It’s such a simple thing, but they get loads of use out of it, and we’re always happy to add things like this that give them something to do and make their environment more interesting.”
The range
The HappyCow range includes six brush options designed for different ages, environments and management systems:
Cattle Scratch Brush
- Rail/post mounted
- Spring-loaded top brush combined with mounted brush optimises contact
- Made from galvanised steel for the toughest use
Flexi Swing Scratch Brush
- Wall/pillar mounted
- Spring suspension provides counterpressure for different cattle sizes
- Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
Free Swing Maxi Scratch Brush
- Wall/pillar mounted
- Suitable for adult cattle
- Oscillates vertically, allowing cattle to determine the pressure and intensity of the cleaning and scratching
Multi-Use Scratch Brush
- Suitable for wall, corner-post or shed mounting
- Ideal for calf pens
- Countersunk fastening holes help prevent possible injury to animals
Maxi Post Scratch Brush
- Optional base anchor available for field use
- Simultaneous scratching for multiple animals
- Hot-dip galvanised with 19 replaceable brush rings for extended life
240V Duo Scratch Brush
- Electric dual-brush offering simultaneous cleaning for flanks, head and back
- Automatically activates as animals slightly raise the brush.
Further Reading
- Veterinary Sciences (2026): Brushing as Environmental Enrichment in Dairy Cattle: Effects of Different Brushing Modalities on Behaviour, Health, and Production.
- PLOS One (2024): Automated Monitoring of Brush Use in Dairy Cattle.
- Journal of Dairy Science (2026): Preferences of Dairy Cows for Different Types of Grooming Brushes.
- Mississippi State University Extension: Environmental Enrichment for Dairy Cattle: Hair Brushing.
Article supplied by Shoof
