Another of the many alternatives that exist when selecting the type of bed are compost beds. To know its advantages, but also its drawbacks, it is essential to understand the concept of this type of bed.
Compost beds are composed of an organic base with a high nitrogen content (animal manure). Through an aeration process where humidity is a fundamental point, a decomposition of organic matter is produced, creating the material from which the bed will be composed.
The compost generated is not only part of the bed, but once its useful life is over it can be used as fertilizer on the land.
These types of beds have several important characteristics:
- It requires high aeration (especially the upper part of the bed).
- It needs certain temperature and humidity conditions that favor the microbial decomposition of organic matter.
- Temperature dependence: In some areas it may be necessary to provide a heat source, with the subsequent energy expenditure.
- Ammonia generation.
- High level of management (temperature and humidity control): if not managed correctly, there can be an increase in mastitis in cattle.
- It does not dry out too much, so it is often necessary to add other materials to the litter that do dry out to ensure the necessary levels of health for the animals.
The use of a product such as Sanisec or Phytogrape dryer, in compost beds improves the characteristics of this type of bed:
- Less aeration is needed. Because of its drying properties, there is greater humidity control.
- Reduction of environmental ammonia.
- Fixation of environmental ammonia to the substrate, so that the compost is much richer in nitrogen (greater fertilizing action).
- Insect repellent action; fewer flies and mosquitoes in the barn. Flies and mosquitoes, are capable of generating infections that can lead to mastitis.
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