The effect of intensified aeration on the ammonia emission and the concentration of spore forming bacteria in the composting bedding of a bedded pack barn for dairy housing.

Abstract

Bedded pack barns for dairy housing are an alternative and new type of housing in the Netherlands and have positive impacts for animal welfare. Several beddings can be used, including a composting bedding of woodchips. In the composting bedding, however, heat-resistant spore-forming bacteria appear to be present. The spores which are produced by these mesophilic and thermophile aerobic spore-forming bacteria are also detected in the milk. These spores are resistant to the heat treatment which is carried out by processing of dairy products and can grow in the finished product to cause spoilage. In this study, samples of the composting bedding, the skin of the teats and milk are analyzed for determining of this bacteria. On the other hand, little is known about the emission of ammonia of such a bedding, so therefore there were measurements performed in order of this study to obtain an indication of the emission. In addition, an intensified aeration of the bedding is carried out during the research period to determine any effects on the concentration of spore-forming bacteria and the emission of ammonia.