DCC WaterbedS Installation Video
CUSTOM FIT
DCC Waterbeds are manufactured and tested using strict quality-control standards. DCC Waterbeds arrive in a roll of individual beds. To install, the beds are unrolled in a long strip of beds and aligned with the platform so one DCC Waterbed is in each stall. The ends of each run and the front of each bed are then anchored to the concrete with stainless-steel and aluminum hardware. Next, the bed is filled with tap water and sealed with a three-part stainless-steel closure. Finally, a brisket locator is installed along the front of the beds to help with alignment in the free stall.
DCC Waterbeds have been successfully fitted in newly built and renovated free and tie stall facilities. Proper fit is extremely important, so work closely with a DCC Waterbeds dealer to ensure maximum comfort and proper performance.
We're happy to come out and measure up your barn for a quote.
INSTALLATION
DCC Waterbeds can be installed in nearly any dairy barn. Watch the installation video for an overview of the installation steps in a typical free stall facility.
The installation video is the DCC Waterbeds ISO with two fill tube openings. If you’re installing the DCC Waterbeds junior there will only be one fill tube.
For specific information about fill requirements, barn design, tools and equipment, and other details, contact us.
Of course, not all facilities are the same. If you have specific installation questions or would like to request a copy of our complete Technical Information Guide, please contact us.
Basics:
DCC Waterbeds arrive in a roll.
You probably already have most of the tools necessary on-hand (a hammer, a utility knife, a drill, a hose, etc.).
Following our detailed Technical Information Guide with your DCC Waterbeds dealer will ensure you order the correct sized beds and quantities of hardware. This ensures your beds are installed to provide superior dairy cow comfort for years to come.
BED SIZES
Original & ISO
Bed widths:
42” / 107 cm
44” / 112 cm
45” / 114 cm
46” / 117 cm
47” / 119 cm
48” / 122 cm
50" / 127 cm
Head-to-tail length:
72” / 183 cm
junior
34” / 85cm x 63” / 160cm
36” / 90cm x 63” / 160cm
38” / 96cm x 72”/ 183cm
XL
72” x 78” / 183cm x 198cm
Custom sizes may be available with minimum order quantities.
Transition
Maintenance
Regular cleaning: simple & fast
The process of cleaning and adding new top bedding is simple. It is flexible, fast, and easy. Consider your herd hygiene goals, try out your preferred top bedding material, and commit to a quick and easy routine.
TYPICAL TOP BEDDING MATERIALS
Kiln-dried sawdust, shavings, chopped straw, lime, paper byproduct, finely chopped canola, manure solids.
TYPICAL BEDDING AMOUNT
1-3 gallons of top bedding per stall per day
TYPICAL CLEANING SCHEDULE
ROBOT BARN / DRY COW BARN
While walking through the barn or when fetching cows (typically 2-4 times per day), clean the ends of empty stalls. After cleaning, dry bedding is spread over the scraped/brushed area. Fresh top bedding is generally added 1-4 times per week without the use of skid steers in the pen. Clean alleys regularly.
PARLOR FREE STALL BARN
While the cow pusher is bringing the cows into the parlor, he or she carries a light plastic shovel or scraper and scrapes the ends of the beds. Or use a stiff bristled brush attached to a skid steer extension arm to clean bed ends. Do not drive a skid steer directly on DCC Waterbeds. After cleaning, dry bedding is spread over the scraped/brushed area. Fresh top bedding is generally added 1-4 times per week. Clean alleys regularly.
Prepare cows for a new experience
Putting cows on DCC Waterbeds for the very first time is an adjustment—a new surface, smell, and feeling. Add top bedding and, if desired, a light dusting of manure, to help signal “comfort” and familiarity to the cows as they use DCC Waterbeds for the first time.
COVER BEDS WITH 2-4 INCHES OF TOP BEDDING ON DAY 1
Using your top bedding of choice, cover the beds with 2-4 inches of top bedding. Gradually reduce top bedding material as cows adapt and you are comfortable with cow cleanliness and maintenance.
CLEAN BEDS, ADD BEDDING, SCRAPE ALLEYS REGULARLY
Scrape any soiled bedding off of the beds, add or spread dry bedding to the scraped area, and scrape the alleys during every milking or as required in a robotic, dry cow, or heifer barn.
ADJUST TOP BEDDING QUANTITY AS COWS ADAPT
MANAGE RELUCTANT COWS
Sometimes there are cows that resist adapting. In this instance, we recommend placing the cow in the stall and preventing her from backing out for a short period until she lays down. Once she lays down on the surface, she will generally overcome her reluctance and use the bed at the next opportunity.
Over 20 years of proven performance.
Contact us for our 10-year limited warranty in a free stall barn and 1-year warranty in a tie stall barn.