Sand lanes

get the gold standard for pennies

Abstract

Sand is the best bedding for freestall-housed dairy cows; however, sand-laden manure presents several handling issues. Well-designed sand lanes separate sand from manure, minimizing handling issues at relatively low costs. Reclaimed sand can be as clean, or cleaner than, new sand in well-designed and operated systems. Sand reclamation rates vary from 60 to 98%, so the design and operation of the sand lanes is important. Sand lanes can be used with flush barns and with barns that scrape alleys to flumes or collection pits. Advantages of each will be discussed.