Use of Propane in Flaming Dairy Bedding – To Reduce Mastitis

Terry R. SmithMississippi State University

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

Preliminary Trial

Sand samples were spiked withpathogenic bacteria and then flamed

Flaming once at 3 mph kills up to20% of pathogens on the surface(top 1 inch) of the sand

However, the impact of daily flamingof dairy beds with is unknown

Dairy Bed Flaming Rake

Modified a bedding rake (Dowdy’s, CA) with burners from Flame Engineering

Mounted the rake and associatedpropane equipment on a tractor.

The Lactation Trial The 10-week lactation trial

Began July 20 with three barns representing over 2500 cowsOne 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 BeddingSample moisture and organic matter are determined every 14 daysThe identity and abundance microbes in the bedding is being determined.

Milk Quality and ProductionMilk Production and conductivity are being monitored dailyMonthly milk samples are being analyzed for changes in composition

Animal HealthThe incidence of mastitis is monitored dailyPredominant pathogens are being characterized.in infected cows

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

Collaborators / ContributorsKevin Smith, Blue FlameJohn Brooks, USDA/ARSChad Schofield, N. Florida Holsteins

1/5 BarnTunnel ventilated 6-row freestall barnThe dimensions are approx

100 x 750 ftCooled with fans and high pressure misters450 cows/sideLeft 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

6-Row Barn Design

Feed Isle F

eed Isle

Cow

Isle

Cow

Isle

Cow

Isle

Cow

Isle

Front “inlet” end of the 6-row barn

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