Safe Bedding Options for Dairy Cows – KUTU
Objectives
- We assess the potential risks associated with using separated manure solids as bedding on dairy farms and identify hygienic treatment methods to improve their quality.
- We also evaluate the suitability of a straw–lime–water mixture and a heat-treated recycled paper–sawdust mixture as bedding materials for dairy cattle.
Data and methods
We monitor changes in animal welfare and health as peat bedding is replaced with alternative materials. Various hygienisation methods for bedding are being tested at the Natural Resources Institute Finland’s Maaninka research barn, which provides a controlled environment for evaluating the effects of thermal and lime-based hygienisation on bedding quality, air quality, and animal health. In addition, we are investigating the use of a heat-treated recycled paper–sawdust mixture as bedding on private dairy farms.
Bacterial levels are analysed in bedding materials, the animals’ respiratory tracts, and milk samples to assess the impact of different bedding solutions on the health of both animals and humans. Antibiotic resistance genes in pathogenic bacteria are also identified, as they may contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases and complicate the treatment of infections.
Worker health and safety are evaluated by measuring concentrations of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide, as well as airborne bacteria, endotoxins, dust, and moulds in the barn environment.
Results and impact
The results will provide a basis for assessing the importance of hygienic treatment of bedding materials for the well-being, health, and safety of both animals and humans.
Based on these findings, guidelines and recommendations will be developed to support the safe, recyclable, and environmentally sustainable use of separated manure solids and other bedding materials.
Our experts
Sirpa Laitinen
Research group
- Viivi Ahonen, Senior Specialist
- Jukka Mäittälä, Development Manager
- Sirpa Rautiala, Senior Specialist
- Talvikki Susiluoma, Senior Specialist
- Soili Tiitinen, Coordinator
Partners
- Savonia University of Applied Sciences
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)
- private dairy farmers and their employees
Supporting organisations:
- Maitoyrittäjät ry
- Osuuskunta Maitomaa
- Valio
- The Environmental Health Services of the City of Iisalmi, Veterinary Care
- Animal Health ETT
- Faba
- North Savo Relief Services
- Järviseudun ja Kallaveden Työterveys Oy
- NHK Keskus Oy
- Revisol Oy
- MTK North Savo
- ProAgria Eastern Finland
Funding
- Just Transition Fund JTF
- North Savo Regional Council (regionally just transition to abandoning peat)
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH)
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