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Published on: July 19, 2018
Composting Dynamics, Bedding Properties, and Seasonal Effects in Composting and Non-Composting Bedded-Pack Barns in a
Beatriz Danieli1, Maksuel Gatto de Vitt1, Fábio José Gomes Bertipaglia2
1Graduate Program in Animal Science, Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Chapecó 89815-630, Brazil.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Composting bedded-pack (CBP) dairy systems showed better bedding dynamics in hot seasons, especially adapted (ADAP) systems, compared to non-composting (BPB) systems. Proper design and management are key for effective composting.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Engineering
- Animal Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Bedding management is crucial for dairy cow comfort and health.
- Composting bedded-pack (CBP) systems utilize microbial activity for waste decomposition.
- Understanding the influence of barn design and climate on bedding dynamics is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of construction design and seasonal climate on bedding dynamics in dairy systems.
- To compare composting functionality between composting bedded-pack barns (CBP) and non-composting bedded-pack barns (BPB).
- To evaluate the effects of different management strategies (CONV, ADAP, PART) on bedding temperature and moisture.
Main Methods:
- A 2x3 factorial design (two seasons, three barn types: CONV, ADAP, PART) was employed.
- Bedding temperature, moisture, pH, density, depth, and particle size were measured.
- 24-hour composting dynamics and spatial temperature distribution were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Bedding temperature was significantly higher in the hot season and in ADAP barns.
- Favorable composting conditions (24h temperature curve) were observed only in CONV and ADAP groups.
- Moisture content decreased in the hot season for CONV and ADAP systems; significant correlations found between moisture, temperature, and bedding characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Adapted (ADAP) composting bedded-pack barns demonstrated superior composting conditions, particularly in hot seasons.
- Non-composting bedded-pack barns (PART) exhibited conditions unsuitable for active composting.
- Barn design and seasonal climate significantly influence bedding dynamics, highlighting the importance of management for effective composting.
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