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The dust content, dust generation, ammonia production, and absorption properties of three different rodent bedding
1Animal Unit G 20, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa.
Abstract:
Vermiculite, pine shavings and unbleached eucalyptus pulp contact bedding were compared for dust content, dust production (as a result of animal activity), moisture absorption properties and ammonia production. The percentage of dust particles <300 microm found in pine shavings and vermiculite was 18 and 8 times greater respectively than was found in eucalyptus pulp. The lowest ammonia levels (<1-1 ppm), measured on day 7, were obtained using eucalyptus pulp. Although the ammonia levels obtained for vermiculite compared very well with those of pulp, high levels of dust, up to 5 times more than pulp, were experienced with vermiculite. Pine shavings were associated with the highest ammonia concentration (1-3 ppm), but produced approximately 50% less dust than vermiculite. The water absorption properties obtained for pulp were between 35% and 76% higher than those obtained for vermiculite and pine shavings respectively.