McLanahan Bedding Dryers Provide Lower Moisture Content for Manure Solids Bedding
Recycled manure solids are often used as dairy cow bedding because they offer a comfortable resting environment for the cows. Many dairies see success with this type of bedding.
However, like any other type bedding material, using recycled manure solids in the freestalls can present some challenges. Recycled manure solids can harbor bacteria that is harmful to the cow’s health and can reduce the quality of the milk the cow produces.
To improve the health of the herd, as much moisture as possible should be removed from the recycled manure solids prior to use as bedding material.
What is the ideal moisture content for dried manure bedding?
While there isn’t a published number regarding ideal moisture content of recycled manure solids used as bedding, Renee Schrift, Director of Sales - Agricultural Products, North America, said dairies using manure solids successfully try to produce the driest bedding possible and place a high emphasis on good stall management.
“We know that when bedding is drier, it helps with cow cleanliness, improves udder health and potentially lowers somatic cell count,” Schrift said.
Manure is typically dewatered with a Screw Press and/or a Roll Press to create a fiber product that is about 65-70% moisture. Additional moisture can be removed with drying devices such as McLanahan’s Manure Bedding Dryer.
McLanahan’s Manure Bedding Dryer will remove an additional 10-15% of the moisture in dewatered manure solids for a moisture content that is as low as 50-55%. This drier bedding not only slows bacterial growth, but it absorbs moisture after it’s placed back in the stalls, keeping the cows drier for longer.
How McLanahan Bedding Dryers work
McLanahan Manure Bedding Dryers are triple-pass rotary dryers that provide the ideal retention time for lighter materials like manure solids, while allowing lower inlet temperatures and fan speeds.
The triple-pass rotary dryer contains three drums in one. Dewatered manure solids enter the internal drum, where they are lifted and showered into a heated air stream as they move through the drum. Once they reach the end of the internal drum, the dewatered manure solids are discharged into the intermediate drum and pulled back toward the inlet for discharge into the outer drum. After moving through the outer drum, the now drier manure solids exit the drum onto a conveyor for stockpiling.
The drier solids can be used immediately, eliminating stockpiling and conditioning time. Using a Manure Bedding Dryer to reduce moisture and pathogens also creates a healthier resting environment for the cow, as well as reduces somatic cell counts, increases milk production and maximizes cow comfort.