Dairy Event 2010: Caution urged on bedding options
Dairy farmers struggling to source sufficient straw for bedding this winter should concentrate their efforts on keeping what supplies they do have dry and usable, according to DairyCo’s Hugh Black.
Speaking at the Dairy Event and Livestock Show, Mr Black said: “No matter what bedding you have, be it straw, sawdust, gypsum or any other product, it must be kept dry to limit mastitis incidence and ensure it remains usable for as long as possible.
“Then, you should focus on which cows need the best straw and ensure it is used wisely. Fresh calvers and dry cows should be the priority as mastitis infections picked up either in the dry period or early in lactation will be the hardest to deal with and are likely to persist throughout the lactation. Late lactation cows, while important can be managed a little less stringently and any mastitis infections they pick up can be dealt with in the dry period.”
A close eye should be kept on mastitis rates this winter, added Mr Black. “Analysing milk recording data will be critical to assess mastitis rates this winter and where levels are rising it is essential to work with your vet to develop a stratgey to tackle them.”
“Poorer straw can also be used for bedding calves and youngstock, although it is important to keep dusty straw to a minimum with these classes of stock as their lungs are yet to be fully formed and respiratory problems can be an issue for them. Equally, farmers themselves should be careful when using dusty straw as they too can be affected by breathing problems caused by dust. When using straw blowers it can be worthwhile running the blower a little longer to ensure the dust gets away.”
Keeping cows out for longer may also be an option for some herds, but where this is done it is essential to move cattle regularly and ensure they aren’t on loafing areas for more than a week at a time and there should be a four break after that, Mr Black explained. “Pathogens build up quickly in loafing areas, so regular moving of cattle is essential.”
There are other bedding options too, but many of these will also be in short supply, particularly as supplies of sawdust from the building trade are still limited due to the downturn in the building sector, he added.