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Use of Propane in Flaming Dairy Bedding – To Reduce Mastitis

Use of Propane in Flaming Dairy Bedding – To Reduce Mastitis. Terry R. Smith Mississippi State University. Mastitis and Dairy Bedding. Mastitis in dairy cows is a significant problem, because it reduces milk production and alters milk composition

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Use of Propane in Flaming Dairy Bedding – To Reduce Mastitis

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  1. Use of Propane in Flaming Dairy Bedding – To Reduce Mastitis Terry R. Smith Mississippi State University

  2. Mastitis and Dairy Bedding • Mastitis in dairy cows is a significant problem, because it reduces milk production and alters milk composition • Dairy cows can contract mastitis by contact with infected milking equipment or from pathogens in the environment, including their bedding • Sand is the preferred bedding in dairy barns because it drains well and has little organic matter to support the growth of bacteria, but during the summer months, the addition of moisture to the environment for cooling can aid in the growth of pathogens in sand

  3. Preliminary Trial Sand samples were spiked with pathogenic bacteria and then flamed Flaming once at 3 mph kills up to 20% of pathogens on the surface (top 1 inch) of the sand However, the impact of daily flaming of dairy beds with is unknown

  4. Dairy Bed Flaming Rake Modified a bedding rake (Dowdy’s, CA) with burners from Flame Engineering Mounted the rake and associated propane equipment on a tractor.

  5. The Lactation Trial • The 10-week lactation trial • Began July 20 with three barns representing over 2500 cows • One side of each barn is the control (raked only) and the other is flamed while being raked. • Beds are raked 3x per day and flamed once daily • Sand Bedding • Sample moisture and organic matter are determined every 14 days • The identity and abundance microbes in the bedding is being determined. • Milk Quality and Production • Milk Production and conductivity are being monitored daily • Monthly milk samples are being analyzed for changes in composition • Animal Health • The incidence of mastitis is monitored daily • Predominant pathogens are being characterized.in infected cows

  6. Results / Conclusions • A single flame application can reduce pathogens in the top inch of bedding • Flaming does reduce the organic matter and moisture in sand by as much as 30% • The impact of flaming on milk quality and production is still being determined • With an estimated cost of $400-500 per case of mastitis, this technology has the potential to repay the equipment costs in the first week

  7. Collaborators / Contributors Kevin Smith, Blue Flame John Brooks, USDA/ARS Chad Schofield, N. Florida Holsteins

  8. 6-Row Barn Design Cow Isle Cow Isle Feed Isle Feed Isle Cow Isle Cow Isle 1/5 Barn Tunnel ventilated 6-row freestall barn The dimensions are approx 100 x 750 ft Cooled with fans and high pressure misters 450 cows/side Left side houses Group 1 cows (the treated group) The right side (group 5) will serve as a control. Stall Dimensions 8 ft deep (from center of front pole to inside edge of curb) 52 in wide (on center of dividers) 12 in wide curb

  9. Front “inlet” end of the 6-row barn

  10. A view down the length of the barn toward the rear door

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