For dairy farmers, the well-being of your livestock is paramount. One often overlooked aspect that can significantly impact the health and comfort of your cattle is the bedding…
Back to Basics Tip #1 – Dry beds = Clean Beds
Properly maintained dry bedding can absorb moisture and help manage manure effectively. This is essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic environment in the shed, as well as keeping udders clean and dry, meaning cows are quicker and easier to prepare for milking.
Wet or damp bedding can lead to various health problems in cattle. It can cause conditions like foot rot, dermatitis, and of course, mastitis. Dry bedding helps prevent these issues by keeping the cattle’s skin and hooves dry and clean.
Back to Basics Tip #2 . Reapply Regularly
Just like us humans, cattle prefer a comfortable place to rest. Reapplying fresh bedding provides a soft and dry surface for cattle to lie down on, promoting better lying times and reducing stress. Comfortable cattle are healthier and more productive.
Whatever you’re using to bed cubicles, we’d recommend sweeping off used dirty bedding and muck at every milking time, and providing a fresh application.
Back to Basics Tip #3 – Calculate your usage .
Work out what you’ll need to have in stock for a season, and be prepared! Having an adequate supply of bedding on hand ensures that you can maintain a clean and dry environment for your cattle. Inadequate bedding can lead to health issues, as wet or soiled bedding can promote disease and discomfort. Baled products can last, so it’s always a good idea to have some stock just incase the winter starts early or lasts longer than we’d like!
Proper planning can lead to significant cost savings over time. Find out from your bedding supplier the recommended usage, and give farm staff clear direction to ensure you’re getting value from your bedding, and save overapplying bedding materials, which can be costly and wasteful.
Finally… by knowing the right amount of bedding required, you can effectively manage your resources, including storage space- especially important if you have limited storage capacity on your farm!
Sometimes, the most effective solutions are the simplest ones.
Going back to basics with cattle bedding can have a profound positive impact on the health and comfort of your livestock.
Want to know more? Why not speak with our experienced team for more advice about the basics of keeping your cow beds clean, dry and your herd healthy. Just get in touch here and we’ll be in touch, or drop us a line on 01978 854666.
