In addition, sand kicked into the alleys improves cow footing. However, the sand should not contain small rocks or pebbles which could cause damage to the hoof or lameness. Every one to four weeks, add sand to the front of the stall bed, leaving it to the cow to work toward the rear of the stall. Replenish sand before the front of the stall bed becomes lower than the rear, a condition that makes it difficult for cows to rise and causes them to lie diagonally in the stall. This tends to put more manure in the stalls and leads to dirtier cows.
Good planning including selection of a handling system, storage needs and equipment is essential.
A dry surface is essential to minimizing bacterial growth. The surface of a sand bed stays dry due to the infiltration capacity of the sand itself. Dryness of the surface of a bedding mattress is assured only by the presence of dry bedding chopped straw, sawdust, etc. Thus, dry bedding on the surface is an essential aspect of a mattress system. A bedding mattress consists of bedding material sandwiched in a fabric heavyweight polypropylene or other material.