Compost bedded pack (CBP) barns offer a comfortable housing alternative for lactating dairy cows, improving cow comfort, heat detection, and reducing lameness and somatic cell counts. However, effective management is crucial to maintain a dry, comfortable resting surface.
Compost Bedding Management
Bedding should be cleaned out annually, typically in fall or spring, leaving 6 to 12 inches of old material to jumpstart microbial activity. Removed bedding can be used as fertilizer or processed into compost.
Restarting the pack requires applying one foot of sawdust or fine wood shavings. This should be done when temperatures are expected to stay above 50°F (10°C) for at least four to six weeks, allowing composting to generate heat before winter. The amount of bedding depends on barn and herd size.
Maintaining Proper Bedding Conditions
Bedding moisture should stay between 40-60%. If it exceeds 60%, additional bedding is needed. A simple test is squeezing a handful—if water drips out, it’s too wet. Fresh bedding should be added every one to six weeks, with more frequent additions in humid or wet conditions.
Composting relies on a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of 25:1 to 30:1. Sawdust provides carbon, while manure and urine contribute nitrogen. Ammonia odors indicate an imbalance, signaling the need for more bedding to absorb moisture and maintain proper composting conditions.
Stirring and Aeration
Stirring the pack twice daily aerates the bedding, ensuring a soft, dry resting surface. The ideal depth is around 12 inches using a cultivator or rototiller. Deeper stirring can reduce bedding needs and increase temperatures. Internal pack temperatures should stay between 110-150°F (43-65°C) (10°C). Stirring during milking minimizes cow stress and airborne dust. After tilling, allowing the top layer to dry—using fans and keeping cows off the pack for at least an hour—helps maintain optimal conditions.
Key Takeaways
Effective CBP barn management includes:
- Leaving 6-12 inches of old bedding when restarting.
- Timing the restart for four to six weeks of temperatures above 50°F (10°C).
- Maintaining pack temperatures of 110-150°F (43-65°C) (10°C).
- Adding new bedding when moisture exceeds 60%.
Proper housing supports cow health and productivity, contributing to optimal milk production.
