Scratch brushes are a simple way to improve cow comfort and welfare, yet many farms install them in locations where cows rarely use them. A brush placed in a quiet corner of the shed may look like a good addition on paper, but if cows do not naturally pass that area, it quickly becomes an unused piece of equipment.
Placement makes all the difference. When brushes are positioned along natural cow movement routes, usage increases dramatically. Cows begin to interact with them daily, using them to groom their neck, back and flanks, which supports comfort, cleanliness and natural behaviour.
With a few practical rules, farmers can ensure every brush delivers real value. The key is placing them where cows already want to be, not where space simply happens to be available.
The 3 rules of a well-used brush
Before choosing a location, it helps to understand the basic principles that influence whether cows will actually use a brush.
Easy access
Cows prefer equipment they can approach without restriction. Brushes should be installed where animals can reach them from either side, with enough surrounding space for natural movement.
Avoid tight corners or narrow passages where cows must reverse away after use. If a brush feels awkward to approach, cows will simply ignore it.
Visibility
Brushes work best when they sit directly within normal cow flow. If cows regularly walk past the brush on their way to feed, water or resting areas, curiosity and habit will drive usage.
Brushes hidden behind equipment, gates or partitions are far less likely to be used consistently.
Safety
While accessibility matters, brushes should never interfere with key movement routes. Avoid placing them where cows enter or leave the parlour, in raceways or immediately beside doorways.
These areas need to remain clear to maintain smooth cow flow and prevent congestion.
Best spots in dairy housing
Certain areas within cow housing consistently encourage higher brush usage because cows already spend time there.
Loafing areas and feed alleys
Open loafing areas or wide feed alleys are ideal because cows frequently pass through them during feeding and resting cycles. These locations provide enough space for cows to stop and groom without blocking others.
Position brushes slightly away from bottlenecks so they do not slow movement along the feed face.
Near water troughs
Water troughs attract regular cow traffic throughout the day. Installing a brush nearby often increases usage as cows naturally stop in the area.
However, leave sufficient clearance between the brush and trough to avoid splashing, collisions or dominant cows guarding both resources at once.
Along blank walls
Many sheds contain long wall sections where cows already rub themselves against concrete or steel. These locations are a strong indicator of natural scratching behaviour.
Replacing those rough surfaces with a purpose-designed brush gives cows a more effective grooming point while reducing damage to buildings.
How many brushes do you actually need?
Brush numbers should match herd size and usage patterns.
For static brushes, a common rule of thumb is one brush for every 60–100 cows. This ratio usually allows comfortable access without excessive competition.
However, several factors can influence the ideal number:
- Larger herds with high stocking density may require more brushes
- Strong dominance hierarchies can limit access for timid cows
- Herds with outdoor grazing or natural scratching points may use indoor brushes less frequently
If brush numbers are too low, usage patterns quickly reveal the problem.
Signs that more brushes may be needed include:
- Cows queuing to use the brush
- One dominant cow repeatedly occupying the brush
- Increased rubbing against gates, posts or building structures elsewhere in the shed
Adding even one extra brush in a high-traffic area can often relieve pressure and encourage wider use across the herd.
Getting the height and angle right
Correct mounting height and brush movement are just as important as location.
For mature Holstein cows, brushes are typically installed at a height that allows comfortable contact with the neck and shoulder while still reaching the back line when the cow leans in.
Smaller breeds or youngstock may require slightly lower mounting points to ensure proper contact.
Many modern designs use sprung or angled mounting systems, allowing the brush to move when pressure is applied. This flexibility lets cows groom multiple areas including:
- Neck and shoulder
- Top line and back
- Flanks and hips
During routine building inspections, it is also worth checking:
- Mounting bolts remain tight
- Brush alignment remains straight
- The brush rotates or flexes freely without obstruction
Regular checks help ensure the brush continues to perform effectively.
Indoors, outdoors – or both?
Brush placement does not have to be limited to housing.
Outdoor positions can work extremely well, particularly along routes cows already follow during the day.
Examples include:
- Along tracks between housing and grazing paddocks
- Near collecting areas before milking
- Close to shed entrances where cows pass during turnout
Indoor brushes tend to see more use during winter housing, while outdoor locations can be particularly effective during grazing months.
When installing outside, durability becomes important. Materials such as galvanised steel frames and weather-resistant brush bodies help ensure long service life in exposed conditions.
Placing brushes where cows naturally move, both indoors and outdoors, maximises the chances they become part of the herd’s daily routine.
Making every brush count
Scratch brushes can make a meaningful contribution to cow welfare, but only when they are placed where cows want to use them.
Positioning brushes along natural traffic routes, ensuring easy access and installing the right number for herd size transforms them from a simple welfare feature into a regularly used grooming tool.
If you are planning to install new brushes, start by looking at how cows already move through your housing and grazing system.
Intershape can help you get the most from your installation.
Send us a photo or layout of your shed and we can suggest the most effective brush positions for your herd.
Executive Summary
- Scratch brushes improve cow welfare, but many farms place them in quiet corners where cows rarely use them. Correct positioning dramatically increases usage and value.
- The most effective brush locations follow three key principles: easy access, clear visibility within cow flow, and safe placement away from bottlenecks or exits.
- High-traffic areas such as loafing spaces, feed alleys, near water troughs and along long shed walls tend to generate the highest brush usage.
- A typical guideline is one brush per 60–100 cows for static brushes, although herd size, dominance behaviour and outdoor access can influence requirements.
- Signs a herd may need more brushes include queuing, dominant cows monopolising the brush, or cows rubbing against gates, posts or walls.
- Correct mounting height and flexible or angled brush designs allow cows to groom their neck, back, flanks and shoulders, improving comfort and natural behaviour.
- Brushes can work effectively indoors or outdoors, particularly along regular movement routes such as tracks, collecting areas and shed entrances.
- When placed correctly, scratch brushes become a highly used welfare tool that supports grooming behaviour, comfort and herd wellbeing.