Several research projects have proven what Carnation Milk Company has been saying since 1907- “contented cows” produce better milk- and more of it.
We analyzed these bedding samples for the following.Įlectrical conductance (soluble salts) concentrations In a cross-sectional study we took samples of the pack at two depths. Hang the fans high enough to provide head room for aerating equipment at the top pack-height. Many compost barns have mixing fans to blow air down onto the pack, which helps dry the surface. The higher sidewall height in a compost barn, compared to a freestall barn, accommodates the sidewall opening lost from the pack walls. This height also provides access for bedding trucks. This moisture needs to leave the barn with the ventilation air.Ĭompost barns should have 16-foot sidewalls for better ventilation. High moisture commonly appears as steam rising from the pack during aerating in cold weather. Remove moisture and extend the time between bedding additions in the winter. Remove pack moisture and heat from microbial activity. Others may pile soiled bedding to produce finished compost.Ĭompost dairy barns need good ventilation (air exchange) to: Producers spread soiled bedding on the fields according to their manure management plan. Farms may remove some of the pack material in the spring to provide space for added bedding during the summer. Most producers leave about 0.5 feet of old material in the barn to help start microbial activity.īy the end of summer, most packs average 4 feet high. This sawdust provides a bedding layer 1 to 1.5 feet high to start the new pack. You only need to entirely clean out the pack area yearly in September or October.Īfter removing soiled bedding, producers usually add a load of clean sawdust. Usually, producers only remove bedding material from the pack area in the fall and spring. A small number of other dairies add a thin layer of bedding every day. Some dairies may add smaller amounts of sawdust more often, such as once weekly.
This amount will change based on the following. Typically, producers need to add a semi-truck load of fresh dry sawdust (approximately 18 tons) every two to five weeks. For success, always match the manager with the system.
These barns may also reduce manure storage costs and space, and save in labor and manure handling.Ĭompost barns aren’t ideal for every dairy producer.
They appear to offer good comfort for lactating, dry and special needs cows.Ĭontains one to four walkways for cows and equipment to access the packĪ compost barn gives cows more room to move than tie stalls or free stalls.