VERIFICATION OF EFFICIENCIES OF HYGIENIC SEPARATOR, AND BACTERIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF RECYCLED MANURE MATERIAL USED AS BEDDING FOR DAIRY COWS

Abstract

It is well known that the bedding material commonly used in dairy cows’ barns have significant impact on animal health, and welfare as well. In addition, the exact identification of the bedding materials' properties which could affect dairy cows' health is extremely important. This study mainly aims to determine the microbiological properties of recycled bedding material from dairy cow manure, as well as the impact on somatic cell count, milk production and milk quality. Microbiological evaluation was focused on the pathogen microorganisms, especially Escherichia coli, Enterococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae (Salmonella), Clostridiaceae, as well as on yeasts and filamentous fungi. The somatic cells count (SCC), which could indicate the presence of clinical or subclinical mastitis, was evaluated by fluorescent optical electronic method. Our study also dealt with the effect of recycled manure solids (RMS) on milk yield production and nutrition profile. The obtained results showed a significant (P<0.0001) decrease of pathogenic microorganisms in the RMS samples compared to the input material. The results also confirmed a positive effect on the number of somatic cells, which indicates a decrease in the incidence of mastitis on the farm. At the same time, a positive trend in the milk production during the year 2023, when the RMS bedding was used, was confirmed. The achieved results confirm the fact that the process of hygienic separation of cow manure on the experimental farm is set up correctly and it could be used in the conditions of normal practice.