By Jamie Martin
Sand bedding is a crucial aspect of dairy farming, impacting everything from cow comfort to manure management. Not all sand types are suitable for these purposes, with different textures affecting overall farm efficiency.
Renee Schrift from McLanahan Corporation emphasizes the importance of sand quality. "Coarse sand negatively affects cow comfort and is abrasive on manure handling equipment," she states, highlighting the need for careful selection.
Experts recommend concrete sand, known for its coarseness and minimal fine materials, which prevents injury and promotes cleanliness in stalls. This sand type meets the American Standard for Testing Materials specification ASTM C-33 and is essential for maintaining cow health by reducing the risk of mastitis.
The economic benefits of sand bedding are notable, particularly when using recycled sand. Farms can achieve high sand recovery rates, over 90%, with proper sand separation systems. This not only cuts down on initial purchase costs but also on maintenance expenses by reducing wear on equipment.
For farms utilizing anaerobic digester technology, removing sand from manure is critical. Systems designed to maximize sand recovery are necessary to ensure efficient operation of these digesters, as sand-free effluent is crucial for their success.
Choosing the right sand and manure handling system is fundamental. "Choosing the best sand, combined with the right manure handling equipment, can make all the difference in ensuring efficient manure management that serves your herd and your team, not the other way around," Schrift concludes.
For more insights on sand selection and its benefits to dairy farming, visit McLanahan’s dedicated dairy solutions page.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: National