Bedding
Bedding Recovery Unit from Bauer Group Turns Cattle Manure into High-Quality Bedding Material
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.
Cow Comfort Innovations in the barn
"If somebody develops a new thing," says Kevin Janni, "and it works, I'm very willing to describe it." But first, says the University of Minnesota professor of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, he wants to see that it works-and the first time around, he may not be entirely sold.
The phenomenon of compost dairy barns provides an example. A Minnesota producer came up with the idea in 2001. "They actually talked to us before they did it," Janni laughs, "and I was not enthused.
But the local Extension educator stayed in touch with them; some other people here on campus worked on the bedding and they got it going, and we decided that there's lots of interest in it, and so we started making presentations."
Compost Bedded Pack Barns
Is a compost bedded pack barn the best option for your dairy?
Associate Professor of Dairy Science, Marcia I. Endres, says answering that question involves numerous factors. "Each manager has to choose the system that works best for them," she explains. "Whether or not this is an efficient way for them to house their cows depends on many things, including the type of bedding materials that are available and economically priced, and how dedicated they are to managing the bedding to keep it aerated and dry."
