Bedding materials and joint health: the finer the better

The joint health of the dairy cow is multifactorial. Important influencing factors are feeding, claw health
and the space available in the cubicle. The right bedding in the cubicle can support good joint health.
In cooperation with the LfL Freising institute, the DLG has tested different bedding materials.

Humidity damages the skin

The cubicle is frequently soiled by faeces, urine or milk. In addition, the lying cow sweats out moisture through
her skin. If there is no bedding, the skin softens, which in turn reduces its protective function. In addition, hair
roots are damaged and the hair falls out. Therefore, even with modern, very soft lying mats, a small amount of
bedding is necessary to absorb moisture.

Regularly test the abrasiveness of the bedding by rubbing it

Some materials, such as shavings or sawdust, should be viewed critically as bedding because they can damage
the skin due to their abrasive effect or due to small wooden parts. In case of overdosage, lime can also dry out
and irritate the skin (therefore only use DLG-certified lime bedding). A regular rubbing test on the back of your
own hand helps to assess the skin-friendliness of the material used.

The more absorbent the bedding, the better for the joints

The DLG test showed a clear result: using the
most absorbent bedding can further improve
an already good joint health. The rule is: the
finer the bedding, the better! Straw meal and
straw chippings that are as fine as possible
are therefore the most skin-friendly types of
bedding.

Source: DLG test centre in cooperation with LfL Freising institute, from: DLZ Sonderheft Nr. 21, 2008

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Bedding materials and joint health: the finer the better