Selecting Bedding Materials to Fit your Waste Handling and Dairy Production Needs

Selecting bedding materials is not a problem for every dairyman in Mississippi, but it is a consideration for any dairyman with a housing facility. As the trend goes toward larger numbers of cows confined at least part time, there is more interest in proper bedding materials. Cow comfort and solid-waste management issues are concerns of most dairymen. Various investigators note the relationship between bedding materials and bacterial populations and mastitis; therefore, base your bedding-material selection on the criteria for waste management, animal health, and cow comfort.

Organic Versus Inorganic

Organic and inorganic are two classifications commonly used in categorizing bedding materials. Organic bedding materials are those that provide energy for growth of microorganisms. Sawdust and shavings are the most commonly used organic bedding materials in Mississippi. These materials work well with liquid-manure handling systems because most of it is broken down by microbial activity in lagoons.

Inorganic materials do not support bacterial growth and sometimes cause a problem in liquid-manure handling systems. Common inorganic bedding materials are sand and limestone.

Numerous materials are used for bedding on Mississippi dairy farms. This information sheet discusses materials commonly used for bedding.

Sand

Sand is an excellent choice for bedding even though it has some disadvantages. Sand provides great cow comfort and is a good choice for those dairymen with mastitis problems, since sand does not provide a medium for microbial growth. Water does not cling to sand and, therefore, it stays relatively dry. Sand with coarse granules is more desirable than a fine sand. Sand particles tend to move rather than compact, forming a more comfortable bed that "cradles" the resting cow to support her weight evenly.

A big disadvantage to using sand is that it settles at the bottom of lagoons and manure collection pits and can cause excessive wear on manure spreaders, pumps, and separators. Most sand-bed users feel that the benefits of cow comfort, cow cleanliness, and general health override the problems experienced with manure collection, storage, and distribution.

Sawdust and Shavings

Wood-based products seem to be the most popular bedding material choices for dairy producers. Since there are so many sawmills in Mississippi, the availability of sawdust and wood shavings increases their popularity. The products provide good cow comfort and work well in most waste management systems. The biggest disadvantage is that sawdust and/or wood shavings provide an environment for mastitis-causing microorganisms. Wood bedding materials are commonly associated with mastitis outbreaks caused by high populations of Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli.

Limestone

Limestone is used some on Mississippi dairies. Since limestone is inorganic, it does not support microbial growth, and water does not readily adhere to it. It has the same disadvantage as sand in manure handling systems, but its greatest disadvantage is that it usually provides poor cow comfort. It sometimes compacts in the stalls, causing injuries to knees and hocks of the cows.

Limestone products have differences. Coarser ground limestone such as screenings is more desirable. Some dairy producers feel that limestone reduces bacterial growth, but research does not support this idea.

Rubber Mats

Rubber mats are sometimes placed on top or embedded into a concrete stall base. Rubber mats have the advantage of low maintenance; however, they only slightly increase the cushion of concrete stall beds and can be slippery, especially when wet. They are uncomfortable to cows, and the underside of the mat can be a good environment for bacterial growth. Dairymen have seen an increased incidence of knee and leg abrasions with the use of rubber mats.

Rice hulls provide a comfortable bedding for cattle. Hulls are relatively inexpensive, easy to handle, and work well in liquid-manure handling systems. The big disadvantage is that rice hulls readily support the growth of microorganisms that cause mastitis. It is shown to be a better medium for microbial growth than any of the more commonly used organic bedding materials.

Kenaf

Kenaf is used for dairy cattle bedding on a limited basis. This material has been used extensively in horse stalls and small animal cages. Kenaf can be effective dairy bedding in loose housing situations.

Research using ground kenaf (½-to ¾-inch cut) in flush systems shows some disadvantages. The kenaf tends to mat in flush lanes, which causes the water to go around a small pile of kenaf and manure rather than completely clean the alley. Some kenaf also floats in drain pipes causing clogging. Kenaf also tends to float in solids-settling basins, causing them to overflow into drain pipes rather than staying with the other solid material. Kenaf can be grown easily on the farm and yields a high volume of material per acre.

Fabric-Covered or "Mattress" Stall Bed

The fabric-covered or "mattress" stall bed provides a comfortable resting surface while reducing overall bedding use. Several bedding materials are used inside these mattresses; however, the most desirable filler seems to be shredded or "crumb" rubber. This shredded rubber is a byproduct of the rubber industry and is usually inexpensive. Advantages of mattress stall beds include low maintenance and relatively good cow comfort. The cost is about $25 to $30 per stall, including the fabric and filler, which are considerable costs. Another disadvantage is that they have to be sprinkled with sawdust, lime, or other material to control moisture on the mattress. The life of the stall is still unknown, but one user observed holes in some mattresses after 3 years of use.

Regardless of the bedding material used, good management and regular maintenance of free stalls are essential to ensure cow comfort and cleanliness, reduce the chances for injuries, and to prevent entrapment. Good maintenance can override the disadvantages of some bedding materials. Observe the condition of the stalls daily; scrape manure and wet spots from the stall beds. It usually takes a little time but goes a long way toward stall acceptance and cow cleanliness.

Remember. The bedding needs to provide cow comfort, allow a minimum bacterial growth, and allow you to meet waste management requirements.

By Reuben Moore, Ph.D., Extension Dairy Specialist
MSU Cares, Mississippi State University Extension Service