The barn floor is the only barn equipment that is used by the animals 24 hours a day. Elastic barn floor coverings of good quality support animal welfare. DLG TestService tests whether the animal is able to behave in a species-appropriate manner and whether it comes to any harm by using the floor system. The floor coverings are tested in accordance with the DLG testing programmes and the DIN 3763 (cattle) and DIN 7861 (horses) standards

Floor coverings   Migration analysis PAH

Soft floor coverings for dairy cows in high stalls in freestall barns, also called comfort mats, enable the animals to lie softly, comfortably and therefore in a way that is suitable for the animals. To be able to reach the functional areas for feeding, lying and milking in the barn, the floors must enable the cows to move safely and quickly. The possible applications and areas of use in the movement, resting and lying areas are assessed in the case of elastic barn floor coverings for horses. Non-slip, safe, clean and, if possible, deformable walking surfaces provide the animals with a housing environment appropriate to their species.

Animal-related criteria such as comfort characteristics are important in addition to technical criteria such as installation and durability. DLG tests both in the laboratory and on farms. The extensive practical tests are necessary to be able to assess the products' animal fairness.

Based on the stringent specifications of DIN 3763 and DIN 7861, DLG TestService evaluates in a test in accordance with DIN 3762 whether PAHs from barn equipment or accessories for cattle, dairy cows and horses enter the environment and awards the DLG quality seal 'PAH-safe' if the guideline values are adhered to.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are omnipresent in our environment, e.g. in barn floor coverings, rubber teat cup liners and feeding technology. Some variants are considered to be carcinogenic. This test is focused on protecting animals and consumers from harmful chemicals. The standard risk assessment required under food legislation is used for potential substance migration.