We have been hearing about compost barn for some time, but lately it’s becoming an increasingly popular topic! It seems that this system was imported from Israeli farms. In fact, it has been used there for several years, and is still the most common method in dairy cow farms today. Whether it’s to encourage environmental sustainability or animal welfare is not yet certain; the only certain factor is that the climatic conditions in Israel are certainly more favourable.
The key to making this system work seems to be to keep the bedding as dry as possible, thus reducing any mastitis problems. On the other hand, a very important benefit that often leads farmers to adopt this system is the marked improvement in the well-being of the cow, for instance fewer breech delivery problems and more natural behaviour of the cow, thanks to the possibility of moving about freely. The improvement of the animal’s rest is also of note; compost barns allow the cows to adopt the natural and spontaneous positions they desire.
Some features of the compost barn
The first feature of this novel approach to rearing isthe space: at least 15 m2 must be planned per head in production, but some consider 17 m2 to be ideal. This increases the cost of the structure, which is only partially offset by the absence of cubicles.
The floor is covered in a mixture of droppings with the integration of organic material such as sawdust, wood chips, straw, etc. which must be oxygenated at least 1-2 times a day in order to promote aerobic fermentation.
During the design of the structure, natural ventilation must be promoted as much as possible using high, open structures and the provision of a forced ventilation system. The feeding lane must be appropriately dimensioned with the addition of an automatic cleaning system, which is essential in this area as it’s where the cow produces the most excrement.
Some benefits of compost barns
- improved animal welfare due to full freedom of movement and improved rest
- significant reduction in breech delivery problems
- increase in the longevity of cows (and therefore lactations)
- increased fertility
- reduction in the use of antibiotics
- increased fodder production (thanks to a better spreading substance)
- reduced external work for slurry storage
In summary, several benefits can be achieved if a compost barn works well, therefore some points remain fundamental including the space, the degree of humidity, the number of heads to manage and not least the will and perseverance of the farmer in undertaking this alternative method.