Remove 600 cubic meters less manure with a deep litter stable

Due to the increasingly strict manure policy, the removal of (liquid) manure is an increasing cost item for dairy farmers. Optimizing the housing of dairy cattle can be an important step to reduce the costs of manure removal. 

An interesting option is to add or convert part of the cubicle house to a deep litter house or free-living house. This not only offers financial advantages, but also contributes to a sustainable livestock population and higher milk production. In this article we discuss these advantages and dairy farmer Arjan Hendriks of Koevar Hendriks tells about his experience with adding a deep litter house and the advantages he experiences from this.

Financial benefits of a deep litter stable
In addition to a longer lifespan and higher milk production, the lower excretion standard for solid manure compared to liquid manure is one of the biggest financial advantages of a deep litter barn compared to a cubicle barn. In a cubicle barn, the manure is collected directly and stored as liquid manure, which entails higher disposal costs. In contrast, the manure from a deep litter barn falls under the category of solid manure, for which a lower excretion standard applies. This means that less manure needs to be disposed of, which immediately saves on costs. In addition, solid manure offers more possibilities for own use on the land, which reduces the need for external manure disposal or expensive fertilizers.

'Saving 18.000 euros per year, that's a nice bonus'
This also applies to dairy farmer Arjan Hendriks. Two years ago, he moved to an existing dairy farm in Koufurderrige, which he runs together with his son Davy and his wife Margriet. Since the current stable at this location was too small, he had a deep litter barn built. Although he initially had this built with a view to cow comfort and the value that solid manure adds to his agricultural land, he came out very economical with his manure disposal. "When our advisor was drawing up the manure balance, he calculated that we would have to dispose of around 2024 cubic meters less manure in 600." With the costs of €30 per cubic meter, he saves around €18.000 per year. "That's a nice bonus!", says Hendriks. 

Benefits for cows after drying off
In addition to the financial benefits, a deep litter barn also offers benefits for the cows themselves, especially in the period immediately after drying off. Cows that have just been dried off benefit from a comfortable and spacious environment in which they can optimally prepare for the next lactation. A deep litter barn offers more freedom of movement and a softer surface than a cubicle barn. This ensures less stress and better condition during the transition to the next lactation. Experience shows that cows that have been in a deep litter barn after drying off often start up better after calving and therefore achieve a higher milk production than cows that return directly to a cubicle barn. Hendriks can also confirm this: "The cows start up better in the deep litter barn and works very well for fresh cows."

Increase your agricultural yield with solid manure
Hendriks also notices a clear difference in the yield of his agricultural plots. This year he brought in half to a whole silage wagon more per hectare on plots where solid manure had been spread, compared to plots without solid manure. "This extra yield is compared to the year before, and I'm not exaggerating," says Hendriks. He saw this mainly in the extra thick turfs. He spreads the solid manure on the land in January or February and then goes over it a few times with the weeder. "This way it pulverizes nicely over the grassland."

The benefits of solid manure for the soil
In addition to extra yield, solid manure has even more advantages for the soil:

More organic matter – Solid manure contains more organic matter than liquid manure, which contributes to a better soil structure and higher water and nutrient buffering.

Improving soil structure – The fibrous structure of solid manure makes the soil airier and more workable, which is beneficial for the root development of crops.

Slower release of nutrients – Solid manure breaks down gradually, making nutrients available over a longer period of time and reducing the risk of leaching.

Stimulating soil life – The presence of organic material and micro-organisms in solid manure promotes active and healthy soil life, which helps in the decomposition of organic matter and the availability of nutrients.

Less nitrogen leaching – Unlike liquid manure, where nitrogen is released and leached more quickly, nitrogen from solid manure is released more slowly and is better absorbed by crops.

Higher C/N ratio – Solid manure often has a higher carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio, which can be beneficial for building stable organic matter in the soil.

Less dependence on artificial fertilizers – Due to the slow and even release of nutrients, solid manure reduces the need for artificial fertilizers.

Fewer odor and emission problems – Although solid manure can emit odor during storage, it often produces less ammonia emissions than liquid manure when applied, especially if incorporated.

Adding or partially converting a cubicle house to a deep litter house can be financially attractive. Thanks to the lower excretion standard for solid manure, manure disposal costs are significantly reduced, and cows that have just dried off benefit from a comfortable and stress-free environment, which improves their start-up after calving.

The right litter in the cubicle house
With a deep litter it is always a challenge to keep it dry. At Berg we have different types of (mixed) litter that are suitable for the deep litter. Such as traditional straw, but with the high straw prices of today the Mountain Grain Pro, vlas of eggshells offer a solution. These products have a high absorption capacity and thus ensure a dry cubicle house. 

Do you want advice on litter for your cubicle house? Our specialists are happy to think along with you and give you sound advice. Contact us via sales@bergagri.com or via 0341 768222.