It is shown to be a better medium for microbial growth than any of the more commonly used organic bedding materials. Kenaf Kenaf is used for dairy cattle bedding on a limited basis. This material has been used extensively in horse stalls and small animal cages. Kenaf can be effective dairy bedding in loose housing situations. The kenaf tends to mat in flush lanes, which causes the water to go around a small pile of kenaf and manure rather than completely clean the alley.
Some kenaf also floats in drain pipes causing clogging.
Kenaf also tends to float in solids-settling basins, causing them to overflow into drain pipes rather than staying with the other solid material. Kenaf can be grown easily on the farm and yields a high volume of material per acre. This shredded rubber is a byproduct of the rubber industry and is usually inexpensive. Advantages of mattress stall beds include low maintenance and relatively good cow comfort. Another disadvantage is that they have to be sprinkled with sawdust, lime, or other material to control moisture on the mattress.