Dairy cows will rest in a lying position 14 or more hours per day. Maximizing cow comfort during these periods is important to optimum production. Italian researchers compared wheat straw and poplar wood shavings focusing on the cleanliness of the beds and comfort of the cows resting on them in a small study worth noting and using to start a conversation on a farm visit.
Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, February 5, 2024. Link.
Dry bedding, clean cows, and low incidence of udder-related cow health issues indicate bedding that is doing its job — keeping cows dry, healthy, and comfortable.”
INSIGHTS: Rudimentary information? Probably. Yet sometimes the simplest management practices are easily ignored and have a significant impact.