With rising costs and limited availability of traditional bedding like straw and shavings, many producers are exploring alternative materials. Some of these options come from recycling or manufacturing by-products, while others are sourced directly from farms. Although alternative bedding can offer real cost savings, it’s important to choose materials that support animal comfort, barn management, and land application.
This simplified overview highlights key things to consider before switching. For full technical details, producers can refer to the OMAFRA fact sheet linked at the end.
Why Producers Consider Alternative Bedding
Changing bedding materials can sometimes improve:
-
Cost-efficiency
-
Availability year-round
-
Animal comfort and health
-
Manure handling
-
Environmental outcomes
Options may include shredded paper, recycled wood, separated manure solids, mushroom compost, peat moss, and more.
While these materials can work well, not all bedding performs the same, and each comes with benefits and limitations.
Key Factors to Consider Before Switching
1. Availability & Supply
A bedding material is only useful if you can get it reliably.
-
Check whether it’s available year-round.
-
Consider transportation costs and delivery schedules.
-
Ask suppliers whether supply varies seasonally or with market conditions.
2. Labour, Handling & Storage
Switching bedding should not create extra work.
-
Will the material be easy to store?
-
Does it need a dry area or large space?
-
Can it be handled using your current equipment?
-
Will it add extra labour for cleaning or spreading?
For example, baled straw needs airflow and space, while loose organic materials must stay dry. Bagged products are easy to store but may be more expensive.
3. Fit With Your Manure System
Bedding choice directly affects manure handling.
Consider whether the new bedding will:
-
Plug pumps or lines
-
Change the consistency of manure
-
Make composting easier or harder
-
Impact digester performance
-
Spread easily on fields
For example:
-
Wood-based materials can change composting C:N ratios
-
Some paper products may clump
-
Manure solids may require different handling practices
A bedding that disrupts manure flow or equipment could create unexpected costs.
4. Cost & Economics
Price per load does not tell the whole story.
-
How much bedding is needed per day or per stall?
-
Does the material last longer or break down faster?
-
Are you saving money overall, or just buying more volume?
-
Will changing bedding reduce or increase storage needs?
Lower-cost materials may be more expensive if you need twice as much.
Animal Health & Comfort Considerations
1. Clean, Dry Bedding Is Essential
Regardless of the material, bedding needs to be:
-
Comfortable
-
Dry
-
Low in bacteria
-
Free of contaminants
Wet bedding lowers lying time, increases bacterial load, and can affect hoof and udder health.
2. Absorbency Matters
Some materials absorb moisture better than others.
Highly absorbent options (like peat moss or certain paper products) help keep animals dry, while others may need frequent refreshing.
While producers may not calculate exact absorbency factors, it’s useful to know that moisture can vary widely between materials.
3. Particle Size Impacts Cleanliness
Fine particles can stick to skin, teats, or hooves and may carry more bacteria.
Coarser materials are usually cleaner and easier to manage.
4. Watch for Contaminants
Bedding must be free of:
-
Sharp objects (glass, nails, metal)
-
Plastic pieces
-
Chemical residues
-
Heavy metals
Contaminated bedding can harm animals and create environmental issues when land-applied.
If you are unsure, request a material analysis from the supplier.
Environmental & Crop Considerations
Most bedding ends up on fields eventually.
Because of this, choose materials that:
-
Break down well
-
Do not tie up nutrients
-
Do not contain chemical contaminants
-
Fit within your nutrient management plan
Materials with extreme pH levels, heavy metals, or plastics can cause long-term soil problems.
When In Doubt, Ask Questions
Before accepting a new bedding material, ask suppliers:
-
How is it produced and stored?
-
Has it been tested?
-
Is it suitable for livestock?
-
Does it contain any foreign objects or residues?
Speak with:
-
Your veterinarian (animal health impacts)
-
Your nutrient management consultant (land application risks)
-
Experts familiar with the material’s manufacturing process
Being informed helps prevent costly mistakes.
Summary: Start Small and Evaluate
Choosing the right bedding material depends on your barn, your animals, and your management system.
A good alternative bedding should:
✔ Be clean and safe
✔ Keep animals dry and comfortable
✔ Fit your manure system
✔ Be affordable and available long-term
✔ Work with land-application requirements
Trying a small amount first can help determine if it suits your operation.
For full technical details, test recommendations, and material comparisons, producers can refer to the OMAFRA “Alternative Bedding Materials for Livestock” fact sheet (August 2023).
