Does RMS bedding deteriorate milk quality or udder health?
Risks, benefits and optimal management of recycled manure solids for use as bedding.
The use of recycled manure solids (RMS) as bedding in dairy operations offers significant advantages in terms of comfort and overall costs. Animal by-products (ABPs), however, have the potential to spread animal disease. If not properly disposed of they can be dangerous to both animal and human health.
Within the European Union, there are rules that regulate the movement, processing and disposal of ABPs. Under Regulation (EC) 1069/2009, ABPs are categorized according to their risks; recycled manure solids fall under a section for ‘technical use’. Many dairy farmers have enquired about the use of RMS for bedding. Does its use increase the risk of disease? It’s a good question, and one that has motivated several research projects.
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