Testing of property changes in recycled bedding for dairy cows

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the change of the characteristics of different types of organic bedding in deepened stall base cubicles for dairy cows. The research was carried out in barn 1 using separated raw manure solids, in barn 2 using drum composted manure solids and for comparison a barn 3 was chosen, which used traditional straw as a bedding material. Dry matter of separated raw manure and drum composted recycled manure solids in sample 1 collected after 2-3 hours of bedding acclimatization in the stable were lower (P < 0.05) compared with sample 3 collected 2-3 hours before the new bedding was spread, but dry matter of straw in sample 1 was higher (P < 0.05) compared with sample 3. The values of the coefficient of thermal conductivity show that the bedding from recycled sludge slurry is a good insulant and absorbent. In addition, a determined increase of humidity at the end of the bedding interval does not cause dramatic changes of thermal performance.

Keywords

• dairy cattle
• separated manure solids
• dry matter content
• thermal conductivity