Project

Healthy and safe bedding for dairy cattle – KUTU

We promote safe and healthy animal bedding solutions. Proper daily bedding management has a significant impact on animal welfare, dairy workers' well-being and food safety.

Timetable

3/2026–2/2028

Objectives

We assess the potential risks of the solid fraction separated from animal slurry on dairy farms. We explore various solutions to sanitise the solid fraction to improve its quality.
We also test the suitability of other hygienic bedding for dairy cattle. These include, for example, a straw-lime-water mixture and a heat-treated recycled paper-sawdust mixture.

Data and methods

We monitor the changes in animal welfare and health when peat bedding is replaced with new bedding alternatives. Various sanitisation methods and bedding alternatives are being tested at the Maaninka research barn of the Natural Resources Institute Finland. The research barn offers a controlled environment for examining the impact of heating and lime sanitisation on bedding and air quality as well as animal health. We are also investigating the impact of heat-treated recycled paper and sawdust bedding at private dairy farms.

Samples are collected and analysed to identify the genes of pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic-resistant strains.

Experts from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health examine the health and safety of workers. The study analyses the presence of the following agents in the barn air:

ammonia and hydrogen sulphide gases
moulds
bacteria and their endotoxin levels
amount of dust.

In addition, the bedding materials used are analysed for bacteria and mould content.

Results and impact

The results will help to assess the importance of the sanitisation treatment of bedding materials for the well-being, health and safety of animals and people.

As a result, we will prepare instructions and recommendations for the recyclable, safe and environmentally friendly use of separated solid fraction and other types of bedding.