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Learn how lime bedding can help prevent bovine mastitis, an infection that affects cows' udders and reduces milk production. Lime has an alkaline effect that inhibits bacterial growth and a drying effect that keeps the bedding clean and dry, reducing the risk of infection. Discover the results of a lime bedding trial and explore other potential uses of lime in farming systems.
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Bedding Lime Benefits Carn Quarries, Ederney 29th June 2013
Bovine Mastitis • Bovine Mastitis is infection caused by bacteria entering the cows udder section, causing a loss in production from a particular teat(s). • Bacteria enters the udder when animal is lying, and is contributed mainly by wet, dirty bedding. • Traditional bedding methods consist of sawdust/ straw which harbours harmful bacteria.
Lime as a Bovine Bedding Additive • Limestone Filler consists of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) • This material has an alkaline effect which inhibits bacterial growth. • The Ph for this material is in the range of Ph. 9 • This material has a significant drying effect which also has a detrimental impact on bacterial growth.
Examples of bedding systems. • Combination of sawdust and lime provides dry comfortable bedding system. • Dry and clean,making it less hospitable for bacteria growth.
Examples of bedding systems. • Udder exposed to dirt and bacteria. • Possible infection risk
Limestone Bedding Trial • Four farmers were selected in the local area, all employing different bedding systems. • A free sample of the material was delivered to them and were asked to carry out a month long trial. • After the month, a questionnaire was carried out to confirm the results they had noticed from using the material.
Feedback – Benefits and Advantages • Works well in two most common bedding systems, either mattress system or in combination with sawdust. • “Very powerful drying effect” – keeps bedding clean and dry for longer; consequently this keeps bacteria counts lower. • More user friendly to animals and farmers alike, due to a lower alkaline effect. • One customer had test results showing a lower bacterial cell counts after using the lime bedding.
Further possible use’s for Lime Bedding. • Silo pit coverage systems are moving away from waste tyres due to legislation. Possible use as a ballast material for “Securicover” system. • Feasibility as acidity regulator in grassland systems to be checked.