Two feedline soaking solutions
1. Intelligent soaking system
2. Conventional soaking system
The Royal de Boer Intelligent soaking system is a feedline-mounted cooling solution designed to help dairy farmers combat heat stress while significantly reducing water use.
Unlike traditional soaking systems that run continuously, this system applies water only when cows are present.
- Water is delivered exactly when it is needed, improving cooling efficiency while avoiding unnecessary use.
By applying water directly to the cow’s back and fur while keeping feed dry, the system maximises evaporative cooling when combined with ventilation. This supports feed intake, milk production and animal welfare during periods of heat stress.
1. Intelligent soaking system
Heat stress remains one of the biggest challenges to cow performance during warm weather. At the same time, water availability, slurry storage and handling costs are becoming increasingly important to dairy farms.
The Royal de Boer Intelligent soaking system addresses both challenges by combining effective cow cooling with substantial water savings. Typical installations achieve around 50% reduction in water use, with peak savings of up to 70% compared to traditional continuous soaking systems. Actual savings depend on weather conditions and system settings.
Reliable operation and key benefits
- The system is fully automated using Royal de Boer control systems and operates based on environmental temperature setpoints. Each soaking unit is individually activated when a cow is detected at the feedline.
- The system works with fixed on- and off-time cycles, which do not change as temperatures increase. Each line operates independently to ensure consistent system performance.
- Key features include durable stainless steel nozzles for long service life, a cow-friendly LED indicator confirming correct operation at each unit, and a design without batteries or cameras, reducing maintenance requirements.
- The system provides effective cooling while keeping feed dry and boosts cow performance during heat stress.
System layout and ROI insight
- The Intelligent Soaking System is specifically designed for feedline installation in dairy housing. Units are installed with 2.0 m spacing and the system supports a maximum length of 150 m.
- To ease decision-making, the system is backed by the Royal de Boer ROI App. The app calculates expected water savings based on selected soaker settings, local weather data and system configuration.
- By entering slurry removal and handling costs, the app provides insight into total water reduction, reduced slurry handling and storage costs, and the estimated payback period. This gives a clear view of both the practical and financial benefits of intelligent soaking.
2. Conventional soaking system
Continuous feedline soaking solution
The conventional soaker from Royal de Boer to adjust on feedlines is based on continuous operation. In this system, water is applied in cycles regardless of cow presence.
- Feedline soaking is a key part of effective heat stress cooling. Royal de Boer soaker lines use low pressure, large droplet nozzles to wet the cow’s back while keeping udders and feed dry. In combination with airflow, this creates efficient evaporative cooling.
- Spray nozzles are positioned behind the headlocks so water is applied to the cow, not the feed. This ensures every cow has the opportunity to be cooled.
- The system is fully automated using Advanced and Premium controls. Adjustable angle nozzles and pressure reducing valves per nozzle ensure accurate application and equal water distribution across the line. Multiple mounting options make the system suitable for a wide range of dairy housing layouts.
Need non-binding advice?
 | By teaming up with you to shape your farm around your vision, we create a barn where labor, cow routing and ventilation work seamlessly together. Achieving top-level production means staying in control of barn design at every step—from concept and design to climate management and manure handling. The outcome? A stable, comfortable environment that boosts production and supports your herd’s overall health. In the end, you get a perfectly balanced setup where your cows feel right at home, every single day. Interested in our custom advice? Get in touch via email or give us a call! |