Klebsiella species is a specific type of coliform bacteria that was singled out in this study because its evidence in bedding is directly related to mastitis. Bedding materials for dairy operations. A need exists for an inexpensive, easily accessible organic bedding material that does not support growth of mastitis pathogens and is practical for use with most manure management systems. Bedding materials are primary sources of environmental mastitis pathogens for exposure to bovine teats. The number and type of bacteria in bedding are related to the number of bacteria on teat ends and rates of clinical mastitis by coliform bacteria.
Bacterial counts differ among bedding materials.
Organic bedding materials contain significantly higher bacterial counts than do inorganic materials. Inorganic bedding decreases teat exposure to environmental mastitis pathogens compared to organic bedding. However, inorganic bedding materials are incompatible with manure handling systems used in many dairies. Recycled newspaper is relatively inexpensive and can be used with most manure management systems. An important question is whether there are advantages to the use of recycled paper in reducing exposure of the teat ends to mastitis pathogens compared to other organic materials.