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Bedding Lime Benefits
Carn Quarries, Ederney
29th June 2013
Bovine Mastitis
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Bovine Mastitis is infection caused by bacteria entering
the cows udder section, causing a loss in production
from a particular teat(s).
Bacteria enters the udder when animal is lying, and is
contributed mainly by wet, dirty bedding.
Traditional bedding methods consist of sawdust/ straw
which harbours harmful bacteria.
Lime as a Bovine Bedding
Additive
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Limestone Filler consists of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
This material has an alkaline effect which inhibits
bacterial growth.
The Ph for this material is in the range of Ph. 9
This material has a significant drying effect which also
has a detrimental impact on bacterial growth.
Examples of bedding systems.
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Combination of
sawdust and lime
provides dry
comfortable bedding
system.
Dry and clean,making
it less hospitable for
bacteria growth.
Examples of bedding systems.
Udder exposed
to dirt and
bacteria.
 Possible infection
risk
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Limestone Bedding Trial
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Four farmers were selected in the local area, all
employing different bedding systems.
A free sample of the material was delivered to them and
were asked to carry out a month long trial.
After the month, a questionnaire was carried out to
confirm the results they had noticed from using the
material.
Feedback – Benefits and
Advantages
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Works well in two most common bedding systems, either mattress
system or in combination with sawdust.
“Very powerful drying effect” – keeps bedding clean and dry for
longer; consequently this keeps bacteria counts lower.
More user friendly to animals and farmers alike, due to a lower
alkaline effect.
One customer had test results showing a lower bacterial cell counts
after using the lime bedding.
Further possible use’s for Lime
Bedding.
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Silo pit coverage systems are moving
away from waste tyres due to
legislation. Possible use as a ballast
material for “Securicover” system.
Feasibility as acidity regulator in
grassland systems to be checked.