Factors determining the choice of bedding for freestall housing system in dairy cows farming - A review

The subject of the study are the most commonly used bedding materials in freestall housing system in dairy cattle farming and the factors determining their choice. In recent years, in many countries as well as in Bulgaria there has been a tendency to change from small dairy cattle farms to larger ones by applying intensive farming systems. Many factors must be taken into account when developing appropriate interior design of dairy freestall barns. Among these factors is the providing of comfortable resting places with minimal risk of body injuries and bacterial infections. The bedding must meet many conditions: to be inexpensive, dry, not to support bacterial growth, not to contain pathogens, to be comfortable for cows to rest, and to be compatible with the manure cleaning system. Increased amounts of bedding have been shown to increase cow comfort by increasing the lying time, however controlling bacterial counts and udder health requires frequent removal of bedding material. The most widely used bedding materials in dairy cattle farming worldwide can be grouped into two main groups: organic - straw, hay (dried grass), sawdust, wood shavings, crop residues, composted manure and paper, and inorganic: sand, limestone, gypsum, rubber mats and mattresses, cement. When choosing bedding, first the comfort that it will provide to the animals must be considered, then whether the bedding will properly match the manure cleaning system and last but not least the price it will cost.