Dairy Waste Solids as a Possible Source of Bedding

Abstract

A direct relationship between bacteria counts in bedding and on cow teats and possibly in milk was studied. Each sample of bedding, teat swabs and milk was enumerated for Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and Streptococcus. Clean rubber mats were a control for the composted dairy waste solids. Even though there was a significant increase in bacteria counts of dairy waste solids bedding as compared to the rubber mats, there was no significant difference in bacteria counts of teats or milk between the 2 types of bedding. Thus, there was no direct relationship between microflora in bedding and microflora on teats and in milk. With adequate composting, dairy waste solids appear to be a suitable choice of bedding in free stalls.