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Dairy Waste Solids as a Possible Source of Bedding¹

Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631

ABSTRACT

Bacteria counts are decreased in dairy waste solids by the process of composting over 14 days. Bacteria counts showed a significant increase as a result of contact with animals when composted solids were used as bedding in free stalls. Our experimental design attempted to detect a direct relationship between bacteria counts in bedding and on teats and possibly in milk. Each sample of bedding, teat swabs, and milk was enumerated for Esberichia coli, Enterobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus. Clean rubber mats were a control for the composted dairy waste solids. Even though there was a significant increase in bacteria counts of dairy waste solids bedding as compared to the rubber mats, there was no significant difference in bacteria counts of teats or milk between the two types of bedding. This indicated that there was no direct relationship between microflora in bedding and microflora on teats and in milk. With adequate composting, dairy waste solids appear to be a suitable choice of bedding in free stalls.

¹ Techical Contribution No. 1797. Published with the approval of the Director, South Carolina Experiment Station.

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