Older cows through the right bedding

Esther Schouten and her husband own a dairy farm with 170 dairy cows in Wehl, Gelderland. Since she switched to deep litter boxes, there has been a flax-lime mixture from 1:4 in the speakers.

Before choosing a 1:4 ratio, various ratios were tested. With guidance from Henry Westerink (Berg's barn management consultant), 1:4 was ultimately chosen. "It shouldn't be too heavy work, because everything has to be pulled into the stalls by hand, but it shouldn't be too light either, because then they'll dig everything out and you won't have a sturdy bedding," says Schouten. Henry Westerink visited her to ask about her experience with box bedding, in relation to cow health and cow comfort.

Watch the video here in which Schouten shares her experiences.

A cell count below 100 all year round
Schouten is very satisfied with the flax-lime mixture. She says the litter never gets warm. "This gives bacteria little chance." This results in a low cell count and few cases of mastitis. Schouten: "We've had a cell count below 100 all year long."

I am willing to do it
"Our goal is for cows to live as long as possible. That means you have to pamper them a little," says Schouten. This has been successful since the cows moved to the deep-litter cubicles. The average age at which the cows leave is seven years and two months. "It does cost extra, about 1 cent per liter of milk." The costs are for the cubicle bedding and extra wheat straw in the straw-bedded pens. "But that's worth it," says Schouten.

The right type of lime
De mixtures van BERG contain a natural source of lime based on calcium carbonate. "These type of lime "It's heavy, but doesn't harden in the stalls. It's also a gentle lime with a fine texture," Westerink explains. This creates a comfortable and hygienic bedding, contributing to better animal health and welfare.

Every scoop is the same
Berg has invested in a new advanced this year production location for mixing bedding. "Industrial mixing of bedding creates a homogeneous product, and therefore the mixture is actually 1:4, not 1:5 or 1:3," Westerink explains. Schouten agrees: "Every scoop is the same; it's a nice, homogeneous product."

Schouten's story demonstrates the significant impact the right bedding can have on cow health, bedding comfort, and ultimately, the sustainability of a herd. With a consistent mix, a fine texture, and the right proportions, the bedding stays cool, dry, and hygienic. Exactly what you need for healthy, long-lasting cows.

Would you like to know more about our mixtures or receive advice for your stable? Feel free to contact us at sales@bergagri.com or call 0341 76 82 22. We are happy to think along with you.