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Microbiological influences of bedding material on dairy cows in North Rhine-Westphalia
Project
Project code: REFORDAT-180, 17-02.04.01-8/13
Contract period: 17.04.2013
- 31.12.2014
Budget: 77,000 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
For ruminants is bedding material on the one hand suitable for a better animal well-being during the 12 to 14 hours idle time and subsequently for a better animal health. On the other hand an extreme microbial growth could be enhanced by waste heat, moisture and mud contamination into the bedding material. This will lead to clinical mastitis and furthermore a reduction of animal health. There is evidence in studies related to the sanitation of bedding material (e.g. management of boxes) for this issue. Unfortunately to this day a list of recommendations exists without focusing and verifying the economical side of this topic. In preparation of this grand own analysis showed a rise of microbial growth e.g. coliform bacteria in spite of current recommendations for the box management. The focus of this study based on microbial analysis of samples taken from different bedding materials and milk is combined with a detailed observation and correlation of the economic aspects. Finally the results of this study may increase the herd health and reduces the use of antibiotics e.g. for the therapy of clinical mastitis.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal Husbandry
- Animal health