The Development of Cow Mattresses

At Promat, the Engineering team is committed to thoroughly testing all mattress systems and fully developing them into the best possible design. The tests are carried out in the company’s own laboratory as well as in barns/stables. This is done for each mattress before the cow mattresses are released to the market. The team that designs our cow mattresses uses a combination of high-tech testing equipment and techniques, as well as multiple testing setups in the barns, to ensure the products meet all the requirements and desires of the consumer.

The following techniques are applied:

Durability Tests

Promat has its own custom-designed machine that simulates wear on mattresses in a short amount of time. This wear replicates what a cow would cause over several years of use of the mattresses. The state-of-the-art machine has the ability to replicate impact pressure and impact frequency. All settings are adjustable so multiple scenarios can be simulated. All results provide a clear picture of the expected lifespan of the mattresses.

Clegg Hammer Test

All cow mattresses are tested using the Clegg hammer test. This test is a standard for measuring the softness of objects. These results, combined with the durability test results, provide a clear indication of the maximum comfort for your cows.

Absorption Test

To ensure that the mattresses are waterproof and that moisture drainage is adequate, all mattress solutions are tested with the absorption test. In these tests, various water-repellent finishes are evaluated. These layers ensure that the top layer is water-resistant while maintaining a dry and comfortable surface for the cows. For example, with the sand mattresses, the permeability rate of liquids is measured. When these values meet the standards, the sand bed on the mattress remains clean and dry.

Farm Test

In collaboration with universities in both North America and Europe, various studies are conducted in the fields of cow and horse behavior, general health, cleanliness, lying time, and performance improvement. Using time-lapse cameras and hours of observation, we measure the “feedback” from the end user: your cows and horses. Overall wear is tested over long periods in these barns/stables, as well as the ease of cleaning the top layer.