D A I R Y I n i t i a t i v e s N E W S L E T T E R
V o l u m e 9 I s s u e 2 S u m m e r 2 0 0 0

Bedding and Bacteria

High SCC? Maybe your bedding's to blame.

How do you choose bedding for your cows? One important consideration is how well the bedding supports bacterial growth, which can lead to increased SCC and udder infections.

According to University of Minnesota scientists Russ Bey, Jeff Reneau, and Ralph Farnsworth, all bedding made from plant materials harbors bacteria. However, different types of materials support bacteria differently. Crushed or ground sunflower hulls, sawdust, oat hulls, and straw support the most bacteria. Paper dots, shredded paper, aspen, and a mixture of oak and pine support an intermediate level of bacteria. Sand and large pine shavings support the least amount of bacteria. In general, bedding made of large particles supports fewer bacteria than bedding made of fine materials.

Some recommendations to minimize bacteria problems in bedding and reduce the risk of mastitis:

Use materials with larger particle sizes.
Keep bedding as clean and dry as possible.
Change bedding daily.
Remove soiled bedding.
Do not move bedding from front of stall to back of stall.
Always use fresh bedding under the back one-third of the cow.

D A I R Y I n i t i a t i v e s N E W S L E T T E R
Volume 9 Issue 2 Summer 2000