Selection of Cow bedding , Stall bedding or Bedding Material for Dairy Shed – ڈیری شیڈ کے لئے بیڈنگ میٹریل کا انتخاب
Selection of Bedding Material for Dairy Shed. Dairy Shed bedding for cow comfort is very important. In fact, it also helps to reduce the chances of udder diseases. Besides imported cow bedding and cow mattress, conventional material is also in use. Besides Cow Rubber Mat, sand is or clay is option for stall bedding. On the other hand, farmer use straw bedding to protect cows from cold weather. This article is written by Dr. Tahira Jamil, Qualified Veterinary Doctor and Dairy Professional.
سائلیج کی تیاری کے مختلف مراحل اور چند ضروری ہدایات ; روزنامہ آفتاب، ویٹرنری میٹرز
بہتر پیداوار اور آسان مینجمنٹ کے لئے ڈیری شیڈ کا ڈیزائن کیسا ہونا چاہئے ؟؟ ڈاکٹر طاہرہ جمیل
Modern Dairy Farming in Pakistan
In the last few years, Pakistan’s dairy farming sector has undergone innovation. As a result of this innovation, where improvements have been seen in traditional farming, large farms have also been built by importing foreign cows.
Successful and modern farming focuses on the best possible production of animals. In this regard, attention is paid to the overall care of the animals. In animal care, it is also very important to provide quality and balanced food and take care of the comfort of the animal along with other aspects.
Importance of Cow Comfort
For successful dairy farming, it is important that the environment of the animal shed is comfortable. According to the breed of the animal, the temperature and humidity ratio should be taken care of. It should protect the animals from severe weather effects, and a suitable place should be provided for eating, drinking and resting.
If we talk about the comfort of the animals, the space provided for rest is very important. Generally, the period of lying down or resting of the cow in the shed is of great importance for increasing its production. Dairy animals prefer a soft place to sit or lie down rather than a hard place. An open space is also provided for resting and sitting, while in modern sheds a special place is made for this purpose called a stall. These stalls are usually made in a line at the back of the shed, which are separated by special iron rods.
Cow Bedding Selection and Bedding Material
An important aspect in the seating of the animal is the material placed on the seating area, which is called bedding material. To provide a soft and comfortable place for the animal, different types of bedding materials such as straw, straw, straw, sand, fine wood shavings, etc. are used, while special mats are also available in the market for this. A good bedding material should be good for the health of the cow and provide it with comfort, as well as facilitate daily routines.
Aspects Selection of Cow Bedding Material
Among the aspects that should be taken into account in the selection of bedding material is the moisture content of the material. The lying time of the cow is affected by the high moisture content of the bedding material. The drier the material, the better it will be for the animal. A material that reduces bacterial growth should be used, for which inorganic materials should be preferred. The material should be one that dissipates heat and provides a place where the animal cannot slip or have any difficulty standing.
Sand as a bedding material and its benefits
Sand is also used in animal bedding material and its trend is increasing. Although it has some negative aspects, overall it is a material that is beneficial in terms of overall animal care due to its natural properties.
Sand is a material that will continue to provide comfort to the animal as long as it remains dry. Sand is easier to clean than other bedding materials and it dries quickly. The animal’s grip is strengthened and this reduces problems with hooves and legs. In the case of sand, it is easy for the animal to stand up and sit down, as well as to avoid slipping. During the period of sitting or lying down, the sand particles easily spread the loose structure and uncoordinated pressure or weight of the animal, due to which the cow does not feel any pressure for itself.
Other Benefits of Sand Bedding Material
The excretion of animal waste is also improved by sand and the sand remains dry. Due to this, the chances of germs growing are reduced. This is why many life-threatening and harmful diseases of the udder, hooves and tail can be avoided in the case of sand, which cause a decrease in animal production and financial loss to the farm. The chances of their most important disease, mastitis, are reduced in the case of this bedding material.
Sand is a material that plays an important role in maintaining the temperature of the animal’s body and the farm along with good drainage. Since the sand remains cool, it gives the animal a comfortable environment. In developed countries, there are plants to recycle used sand. This plant separates dung, water and other materials from sand and makes it reusable.
Recommendations and Suggestions
Animals should be provided with a suitable place in the shed for resting according to the breed of the animal. All the positive and negative aspects should be taken into account in the selection of bedding material for this place. Efforts should be made to ensure that the bedding material is such that it provides maximum comfort to the animal and protects it from various diseases.
