Bacteria Growth in Bedding B acterial growth in bedding materials occurs after the bedding has been contaminated and then provided food, moisture and warmth, the three essentials for bacterial growth. These issues are where potential problems commence and they are also where solutions can be implemented. O rganic bedding material naturally has some level of bacteria associated with it. In addition, shortly after placement in freestalls, it becomes soiled with manure, leaked milk and other body fluids such as uterine discharges etc. Plenty of bacteria, food and moisture are placed on the bedding to quickly seed and promote bacterial growth.
L imiting moisture slows bacterial growth by denying bacteria sufficient water to meet their needs.
For this reason dry bedding helps slow bacterial growth. B edding moisture content varies due to ambient conditions, added water and the starting moisture content of the material. Fresh bedding, added to stalls, needs to be as dry as possible to help limit bacterial growth. Wet sawdust has been documented as capable of supporting large numbers of Klebsiella species of bacteria, which are similar to coliforms. Kiln dried sawdust is preferred because of the low moisture content and reduced initial bacteria counts.