Investigation of the relationship between method of processing recycled manure solids bedding and udder health and production on Midwest dairy farms

Authors

  • S. M. Godden Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
  • F. P. Mosca Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
  • E. Royster Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
  • B. Crooker Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
  • J. Hadrich Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
  • P. Raynor Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
  • R. Singer Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
  • K. Janni Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20208128

Keywords:

recycled manure solids, bedding, bacteria count, udder health, milk production

Abstract

There has been a rapid increase in adoption of recycled manure solids (RMS) as bedding in Midwest dairy herds over the past 10 to 15 years due to perceived advantages such as cost and availability. Several studies have reported increased bedding bacteria counts (BBC) and increased mastitis risk in herds using RMS as compared to inorganic or organic non-manure materials. Although many RMS dairies use either green/raw (GRN) solids or solids first processed through an anaerobic methane digester (DIG), some herds have adopted mechanical composters (COM) or dryers (DRY) in an effort to lower BBC and control mastitis. Research is needed to evaluate potential benefits and costs of adopting these technologies. This research team initiated a study to evaluate udder health, air quality, antimicrobial resistance in solids, and economics, for herds using different RMS processing methods. The objective of this portion of the study was to investigate if method of processing RMS is associated with udder health and milk production on Midwest dairy farms.

Cover image of the 53rd Conference Proceedings: A photo of a lone cow with a bell in a field.

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Published

2020-09-24

Issue

2020

Section

Research Summaries

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