Bedding makes a difference say many dairymen. But does it? Dairy scientists compared pea gravel, rubber chip, sand and wood shavings to determine their effects on the health, physiology, and behavior of group-housed calves.
Source: Journal of Dairy Science, January 18, 2017.
In conclusion, the physiology and behavior of calves reared on pea gravel, rubber chips and sand was similar to wood shavings, which is considered the preferred rearing substrate to use when rearing calves. Therefore all substrates may be acceptable substrate options when rearing group-housed dairy calves.