Novalait chose this project because it addresses two issues: validating alternatives to meet the need for litter, and ensuring safety for cow health and milk quality. Many producers are considering recycled manure bedding (RMB) as the cost and availability of bedding become increasingly important issues. The aim of this project was to document the physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of RMB and its impact on cow health and milk quality.
A total of 27 RMB farms were visited, each with its own unique approach. Their results were compared with 61 straw-bedded farms. Litter and tank milk samples were taken on all these farms. Each case of clinical mastitis was also sampled for 12 months.
The use of RMB had no impact on the quality of the non-refined cheeses produced as part of the project, but their bacterial populations were different.
The results obtained shed light on the use of RMB on farms. Some pathogens survived the maturation process used. Consequently, RMB should not be used on young animals. In addition, to prevent zoonoses, workers must use good bedding handling practices. The good news is that there was no difference in somatic cell count or clinical mastitis between farms on RMB and those on straw. On the other hand, Klebsiella pneumoniae was six times more frequent as a cause of mastitis on RMB farms, out of 1236 cases sampled. This is an important finding, given that a cow that has suffered an episode of Klebsiella mastitis during lactation is much more likely to be culled from the herd than a healthy cow. The use of RMB had no impact on the quality of the non-refined cheeses produced during the project, but their bacterial populations were different.
These results call for caution, and also highlight the importance of good milking and equipment washing practices.
A guide for dairy producers
This research project led to a guide produced in partnership with the Université de Montréal’s Faculté de médecine vétérinaire and the Institut en recherche et développement agricole (IRDA). This tool aims to support dairy producers in implementing and utilizing recycled manure bedding.
