Winter Bedding Options Farming Note

With straw supplies limited and expensive, different bedding options may prove economic for your herd. An increase in straw price of £15/tonne would typically increase cubicle bedding costs by £1,125 for a 150 cow herd. It is vital to judge a bedding type on both cost and the likely effect on cow health.

This Farming Note covers:

• Effect of bedding type on cattle health
• Pathogen load in different beddings
• Use of lime
• Beddings with different slurry systems
• Costs per cow per day of different beddings

Issued August 2007

About Kingshay Farming Notes

Since 1991 Kingshay has been publishing Farming Notes on issues critical to the success of a modern dairy farm business. These briefings provide dairy farmers, large animal vets, farm consultants and other interested parties with the most important and timely information in a concise two-page format. The information contained in our Farming Notes is written and updated by our experts to ensure accuracy and save you time.

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