B acteria that live in the environment generally have developed an ability to use organic materials such as wood products and straw as foodstuffs. For this reason organic bedding material is not the best to help control environmental bacteria growth. Sand, free of dirt and organic material, is frequently recommended because it is inorganic and offers no nutrient value for bacteria that may be deposited in it. Also, while it not an absorbent material, it drains well and the moisture content of upper layers tends to stay relatively low. F or optimum performance the sand has to be replenished routinely and manure needs to be removed from the rear of the stalls frequently to minimize buildup.
Sand poses a challenge for waste handling systems but it can be managed so problems are minimized.
Sand handling equipment is available that allows it to be uniformly placed into stalls with little manual labor. In new dairies, with freestall construction, sand needs to be considered the bedding material of choice. When sand is not an option, sawdust, straw or recycled manure solids are frequently used. The key to limiting problems is frequent replacement of bedding as it becomes soiled to prevent bacteria counts from becoming excessive. Importance of Milking Clean Cows W hen cows are prepared for milking, the dirtier the teats the greater the risk of mastitis problems.