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Risk assessment of bedding materials in livestock production
Project
Project code: BfR-SiN-08-1322-728
Contract period: 01.01.2019
- 31.12.2019
Purpose of research: Experimental development
Keywords: bedding material, analysis of ingredients, heavy metals, anaimal wellfare, food health security
Bedding material has several functions in livestock production systems. First it should have an impact on the comfort of the areas for running and lying and should include the humidity of the feces and other volatile components. Second it could be an alterable material used for nest-building. The diversity of existing bedding materials is high (e.g. wood, peat, straw, wood shavings, sand, charcoal, rock flour). It is possible that the materials are uptaken by the animals and have an impact on the nutrient and fibre supply. Bedding materials can also have an impact on animal welfare. Some inorganic products reduce the risk of slipping. The used bedding materials reach the farm manure directly or changed and could vary the viscosity and fermentation. After spreading on agricultural areas they could reach the food chain. There exist no legal guideline on the hygienic quality of bedding materials. In context with the discussion on animal welfare they are promoted with positive effects in general. However, nobody knows the composition of such bedding materials. The way via bedding materials could be a special input of feed additives (e.g. copper and zinc) to bypass their maximum authorized levels when used as feed additives. In the years 2017 and 2018 a total of 15 samples for each bedding material (wood, peat, straw, wood shavings, sand, charcoal, rock flour) were identified and analysed on their content of undesirable substances (e.g. heavy metals). After identification of harmful bedding materials (high content of lead, arsenic and iron) it should be investigated on the oral intake of such bedding materials by the animals. With these data a risk assessment of bedding materials regarding to animal and consumer health is possible.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal health
- Food Chemistry
- Toxicology
