This year’s high straw prices and short supply in May and June has forced farmers to consider alternative bedding materials.

A green bedding system gives a dairy farmer a nearly unlimited supply of dust free, absorbent bedding material which offers improved cow health, cleanliness and comfort.

Green bedding is produced by extracting undigested organic fibres from slurry, using a screw press separator. The slurry is forced through a mesh screen with an auger, the liquid is drained away and the solids are deposited into a bunker.

The separator is very easy to operate, the amount of pressure is controlled by altering the position of the weights on the output flaps and the mesh screens can be checked by removing the inspection plates on either side.

The bedding material must be at least 30% and preferably closer to 35% dry matter as the higher the dry matter the healthier and more comfortable the bedding is for the cows.

The bedding material can be applied to the cubicles with a dispenser type telehandler bucket, most users find that because the material is readily available they use more of it in the cubicles which in turn leads to better cow comfort and increased lying times.

Users also find that cows stay cleaner, they see less hock lesions and the buildings are less dusty and a nicer environment for cows and staff. The liquid which is separated requires very little mixing even after it has been stored over the winter months and is a valuable alternative to artificial fertiliser.

Mastek Ltd is a partner of the Bauer Group which offer the well-known fan green bedding separators. The company can offer advice and guidance on green bedding. Call Ben Willcox on 07930876941 to discuss your requirements.