When increasing production, the main focus is on improving the ration. Animal health, but also the time spent lying down, also play an essential role in optimizing milk production.
Research shows that every hour of lying down provides 1 extra liter of milk per cow per day. A lack of lying time is associated with claw problems. As 4 out of 5 cows develop hoof problems during their working life, this is a relevant problem. The causes may have to do with nutrition, but are also often related to the barn design and hygiene.
The solutions to improve hygiene in the barn are closer than you think. One of the most important methods for good barn hygiene is moisture reduction. And a crucial role in moisture reduction is the choice of the right bedding material† However, the choice must also be well geared to the type of box.
Rubber mats
In practice, we see that cows lying on mats regularly leak milk. The acidity of this milk, combined with splashing urine, create a hotbed of bacteria. Those bacteria need to be neutralized. This is the reason that more and more stable bedding are mixed with lime.
The neutralizing effect of lime increases hygiene. Add to that up has a drying effect. This increases the hygiene in the barn and thus creates the conditions for a higher milk production.
Deep litter boxes
Many barns are fitted with mats, although the trend is that more and more farmers are opting for deep litter boxes. This is because the deep litter boxes have a positive effect on moisture reduction and cow comfort. This effect is also enhanced by a bedding material to choose one that forms a good and dry lounger in the box. This stimulates the cow's lying time and thus increases milk production.
Spreading the up has a neutralizing effect on bacteria. However, it also provides added value in manure. On most farms, it is no longer necessary to spread lime on the land, because a lime mixture is sprinkled in the boxes. A frequently heard comment is that lime reacts with manure, causing nitrogen loss. However, this does not apply to the carbonate-based lime. By mixing straw or flax with this lime you not only prevent this problem, but the organic matter in the manure is increased.
Do you want to improve the hygiene in the barn and increase the lying time of your cows? Please contact Mountain Fourage for a free consultation.