Now, manure is more than an important source of plant nutrients—it can also be recycled into comfortable bedding for livestock with the patented Bedding Recovery Unit (BRU) from FAN Separator and the BAUER Group.

The BRU lets dairy farmers reclaim more than 25 cubic yards per day of high quality bedding material from the undigested fibers in cattle manure. This machine separates, dries and treats the fibers in an aerobic process, resulting in a self-contained cycle on the farm that reduces manure management costs, improves cow comfort, and boosts output.

The innovative separation system is built by the BAUER Group affiliate FAN Separator, from Herzfeld, Germany, which has over 20 years experience in manure separation technology. The BRU has been in production since 2005, and installations are now operating successfully in the U.S. and Russia.

 

First, the raw manure is pumped from the collection pit into the FAN press screw separator, where undigested fibers are separated from the liquid. The separated solids are then fed into a 30-foot-long rotating drum by way of a patented conveyor system.

It takes the material about 12-18 hours to pass through the drum, where microorganisms act on the material. The temperature inside the drum rises to about 150°F, hot enough to kill pathogens that cause mastitis and other costly diseases. The dry bedding material is then moved by an auger or conveyor to an intermediate storage area.

 

Traditional bedding materials have several drawbacks: Straw is contaminated with bacteria, and has high storage and disposal costs. Wood chips are expensive and not always readily available. Bedding must be brought to the farm first, and disposed of later. And the cost of transportation and disposal cut into an operation’s bottom line.

BRU bedding eliminates transportation costs, it is highly absorbent, hygienic, fresh, and it’s available every day. The increased comfort level and consistent quality makes it readily accepted by the cows. There is no need for additional storage space, because the BRU reduces the amount of solid matter in the slurry and the overall slurry volume.

 

• Produces fresh bedding every day

• Controls bedding pathogens

• Eliminates bedding material and storage costs

• Reduces slurry treatment costs

• Keeps livestock healthy and comfortable

• Boosts milk production

 

The BAUER Group, based in Voitsberg, Austria, with North American headquarters in Michigan City, Ind., is an international leader in irrigation and slurry technology. Bauer began producing wastewater and slurry pumps in 1930, and by 1947 had become an international player in the irrigation technology sector, with the patented Bauer lever lock quick-coupler, named after company founder, Rudolf Bauer. The company continues to make technological advancements in the biotechnology, wastewater treatment and biogas sectors.

 

For more information visit www.bauer-at.com