Use of Propane in Flaming Dairy Bedding – To Reduce Mastitis
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Transcript of Use of Propane in Flaming Dairy Bedding – To Reduce Mastitis
Use of Propane in Flaming Dairy Bedding – To Reduce Mastitis
Terry R. SmithMississippi State University
Mastitis and Dairy Bedding
Mastitis in dairy cows is a significant problem, because it reduces milk production and alters milk composition
Dairy cows can contract mastitis by contact with infected milking equipment or from pathogens in the environment, including their bedding
Sand is the preferred bedding in dairy barns because it drains well and has little organic matter to support the growth of bacteria, but during the summer months, the addition of moisture to the environment for cooling can aid in the growth of pathogens in sand
Preliminary Trial
Sand samples were spiked withpathogenic bacteria and then flamed
Flaming once at 3 mph kills up to20% of pathogens on the surface(top 1 inch) of the sand
However, the impact of daily flamingof dairy beds with is unknown
Dairy Bed Flaming Rake
Modified a bedding rake (Dowdy’s, CA) with burners from Flame Engineering
Mounted the rake and associatedpropane equipment on a tractor.
The Lactation Trial The 10-week lactation trial
Began July 20 with three barns representing over 2500 cowsOne side of each barn is the control (raked only) and the other is flamed while being raked.Beds are raked 3x per day and flamed once daily
Sand BeddingSample moisture and organic matter are determined every 14 daysThe identity and abundance microbes in the bedding is being determined.
Milk Quality and ProductionMilk Production and conductivity are being monitored dailyMonthly milk samples are being analyzed for changes in composition
Animal HealthThe incidence of mastitis is monitored dailyPredominant pathogens are being characterized.in infected cows
Results / Conclusions A single flame application can reduce pathogens in the top inch of
bedding
Flaming does reduce the organic matter and moisture in sand by as much as 30%
The impact of flaming on milk quality and production is still being determined
With an estimated cost of $400-500 per case of mastitis, this technology has the potential to repay the equipment costs in the first week
Collaborators / ContributorsKevin Smith, Blue FlameJohn Brooks, USDA/ARSChad Schofield, N. Florida Holsteins
1/5 BarnTunnel ventilated 6-row freestall barnThe dimensions are approx
100 x 750 ftCooled with fans and high pressure misters450 cows/sideLeft side houses Group 1 cows
(the treated group)The right side (group 5) will serve as
a control.Stall Dimensions
8 ft deep (from center of front pole to inside edge of curb)52 in wide (on center of dividers)12 in wide curb
6-Row Barn Design
Feed Isle F
eed Isle
Cow
Isle
Cow
Isle
Cow
Isle
Cow
Isle