By Meaney, W. J. and O'Connell, J. M., Irish Veterinary Journal, 1997
Description
Studies were carried out to compare the effectiveness of newspaper or sawdust as bedding materials for dairy cattle. The parameters measured were cow preference, incidence of mastitis and lameness, cow cleanliness, and economics. Cow preference was measured using 64 cows housed in a 64-cubicle (crossrail design) shed. In Experiment 1, the cows had a choice of four bedding treatments: (i) concrete and paper, (ii) concrete and sawdust, (iii) mats and paper, (iv) mats and sawdust, and the results showed that the highest utilisation was in the latter treatment. In Experiment 2, the 64 cows were divided into four groups of 16 animals and each group was housed in one of the four treatments with no choice. Again cows showed a preference (based on occupancy of cubicles) for lying on mats and sawdust. Only one cow, lying on sawdust and mats developed an intramammary infection. There was no difference in either claw health or cow cleanliness between the four treatments. The economic analysis indicated that the material cost of sawdust and newspaper was similar; however, there was a higher labour cost incurred when using newspaper due to a requirement for more frequent renewal of bedding.
Studies were carried out to compare the effectiveness of newspaper or sawdust as bedding materials for dairy cattle. The parameters measured were cow preference, incidence of mastitis and lameness, cow cleanliness, and economics. Cow preference was measured using 64 cows housed in a 64-cubicle (crossrail design) shed. In Experiment 1, the cows had a choice of four bedding treatments: (i) concrete and paper, (ii) concrete and sawdust, (iii) mats and paper, (iv) mats and sawdust, and the results showed that the highest utilisation was in the latter treatment. In Experiment 2, the 64 cows were divided into four groups of 16 animals and each group was housed in one of the four treatments with no choice. Again cows showed a preference (based on occupancy of cubicles) for lying on mats and sawdust. Only one cow, lying on sawdust and mats developed an intramammary infection. There was no difference in either claw health or cow cleanliness between the four treatments. The economic analysis indicated that the material cost of sawdust and newspaper was similar; however, there was a higher labour cost incurred when using newspaper due to a requirement for more frequent renewal of bedding.
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