Consider peat bedding as a real alternative

DESPITE the challenges we face in terms of providing adequate feed and bedding we will have to provide animals and calves in particular with a ‘dry lie’ this winter.

There are viable alternatives to the use of straw as bedding, especially peat, slats for calves and rubber mats in calving pens.

Peat bedding is a highly absorbent material which keeps livestock warm, clean and dry with minimal labour. The bedding is cost effective, can last for months and can be immediately spread on the land after use, adding nutrients and conditioning your soil without depleting nitrogen levels the way straw and wood chips do.

Peat is acidic so it inhibits the growth of pathogens. Sphagnum moss, a component of peat is a natural antiseptic.

As referenced by Teagasc, Gurteen Agricultural College have used peat for bedding dry cows and weanlings for a number of years. They have found a deep layer works best, 76 cm (2.5 feet) is placed in the back of the pen and it slopes down to 25 cm (10 inches) near the slats where the animals feed. A double slat is used to prevent the peat spilling into the slatted tank.

When the top layer becomes wet the whole lot is dug up, placed out into the yard, mixed up and put back in.

350 m3 (14 silage trailer loads) was used in the winter of 2017/2018 to bed 50 dry cows and 140 weanlings for 5 months.

The experience of other farmers is that bedding with a 15 cm layer is simpler in that it can be topped up or cleaned out as required.

It is worth noting that peat bedding is up to ten times more absorbant than straw.

It is available in bags or in bulk.

For more information call Kelliher’s Feed & Agri, Ballymullen, Tralee on 066-7123446 or Adam 087 2511520.