Whether you’re using sand, solids, or something in between, performance excellence starts with the basics — cow comfort, clean bedding, and efficient manure flow.
Bedding is your starting point
Research shows that cows that rest just one extra hour per day can yield up to 3.5 more pounds of milk per day.1 That's not just added comfort but also added profit. However, managing your bedding is about more than just cow comfort. It’s tied directly to milk production, herd health, and long-term equipment wear.
Yet not all bedding is created equal, and each comes with its tradeoffs. What works well for one farm might create complications for another. Sand offers cleanliness and comfort, but can be tough on mechanical systems. Manure solids are cost-effective and readily available but require strict attention to moisture and organic matter.
Overall, there is no one-size-fits-all bedding solution. The key is finding the best-fit approach for your farm.
Why bedding management matters as much as bedding choice
Picking the right bedding is only step one. The way you manage it has just as much impact on cow health and system success.
Proper bedding management includes more than filling the stall. It requires keeping bedding clean and deep, removing organic matter daily, and adjusting stall design to support drainage, cow movement, and airflow.
Poor stall management can cancel out the benefits of even the best bedding. Using thoughtful standard operating procedures and regular maintenance helps all bedding materials perform better.
Tools to guide freestall choices
Practical tips and expert insights can help guide management of your freestalls, bedding and manure. McLanahan’s upcoming eBook includes both and walks you through bedding and freestall management strategies, combining engineering expertise with on-farm insights.
Inside you’ll find:
• Side-by-side bedding comparisons
• Stall design do’s and don’ts
• Standard operating procedures tips to keep bedding clean and costs down
• Expansion advice that supports what’s already working
• Real-world input from engineers, consultants and farmers
Also, be sure to check out McLanahan’s podcast, Groundwork. This no-nonsense conversation is rooted in real-world experience, focusing on practical solutions and decision-making that support herd performance and system longevity. A recent episode tackles common freestall questions, including:
• What bedding works best for my goals?
• Can my manure system handle the load?
• Where should I start if I’m upgrading or building from scratch?
With the right bedding and stall management strategy, you can improve cow comfort, reduce wear on equipment, and reduce maintenance headaches. Smart bedding decisions set the stage for healthier cows, cleaner barns and better returns.
Find out more by tuning in to the recent episode of Groundwork and keep an eye out for the eBook.
1 Grant R. 2009. W.H. Miner Institute. Stocking Density and Time Budgets. In Proceedings Western Dairy Herd Management Conference. Available at: https://wdmc.org/2009/Stocking Density & Time Budgets.pdf.
