Definition
Animal bedding is material which is applied in living quarters of animals/livestock for them to lay and sleep on. Its purpose is to keep farm animals/livestock comfortable, dry and clean.

Benefits
TLB animal bedding is made of wood shavings and sawdust which provides the following farming benefits:
  • Is essential for maintaining the health, comfort and a quality environment for your valuable animals including calves, horses, cattle and swine.
  • Provides better absorption and creates less waste than typical straw bedding. The fast absorption prevents urine from spreading throughout the stall.
  • Can be left in the stall instead of cleaning out as necessary like straw. This means less waste which means less expense on material.
  • Ease of use provides labor cost savings. You do not have to shovel out wood fiber animal bedding on a daily basis as you may have to do with straw.
  • Wood materials provide a cleaner smelling stables, calf huts, and stalls. This make a more comfortable environment for you, your farm and your animals.
  • Provides consistent size and quality.
Characteristics
Here is a list of features to consider when looking for animal bedding:
  • Labor – Monitor how time consuming it is to obtain the material, disperse it into areas of use, clean and dispose of.
  • Availability – Check to see that your animal bedding supplier can consistently meet all your on time needs.
  • Expense – Buying bedding in a large quantity may lower the overall cost of your farming materials.
  • Manure Management System – Ensure the bedding will flow through your system so you do not create a problems.
  • Type of Use – Consider how the bedding will be utilized, this will help decide which type is best for you and your animals.
  • Comfort –Materials should contribute to the overall comfort of the animal by providing a dry, cushioned place which encourages resting. When you provide comfort, a well-rested animal will increase its overall productivity.
  • Cleanliness – It is important for materials to be free of chemicals, sharp objects and mold. Clean soiled bedding areas at first sign of trouble.
  • Particle Size – Choose a particle size that is comfortable for your animal and does not promote bacterial growth in your stalls.
Managing Your Bedding
  • To ensure your bedding is free of mold, dust and excess moisture store your bedding in a dry place, preferably above ground level.
  • In order to decrease bacteria levels change bedding frequently. An area to give particular attention to is the front of the stall which is the most heavily contaminated. In the long run bedding will become contaminated more quickly if there is a higher concentration of animals in a given area.
  • Bacteria Levels can be affected by ventilation, barn design, frequent bedding changing/cleaning, proper stall management, as well as weather.
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