Litter for pigs: types and rules of use, advantages and disadvantages

For the normal development of pigs requires the creation of certain conditions. In particular, animals need a closed room with a warm floor. Creating and maintaining such conditions requires a lot of effort. Specialized bedding for pigs containing the so-called fermentation layer helps to make life easier for livestock breeders. This coating does not require replacement within 1-5 years.

Varieties of bedding

Fermentation bedding (also known as bio, warm, permanent and deep) consists of two layers. The first is formed from:

straw;
hay;
moss;
feather grass;
sawdust;
buckwheat and sunflower seed husks;
dried corn trunks.

The second layer, located in the immediate vicinity of the plank base of the pigsty, is formed by special bacteria. These microorganisms recycle waste products of pigs. Thanks to the described process, the inside of the pigsty is always dry, and the room should be cleaned no more than once a year (if expensive bedding is used, then every 3-5 years).

During the digestion of waste, microorganisms generate heat, thereby maintaining the temperature in the room at 25 degrees. But this process cannot be stopped, otherwise the bacteria will die.

The popularity of biobedding is due to another reason: the larger the number of livestock, the more efficiently the waste products are digested.

Advantages and disadvantages of technology

Fermentation mats offer the following advantages over standard mats:

do not require frequent replacement;
prevent rodents and mold as they keep the pigsty clean;
suitable for use in piggeries with large livestock;
eliminate the release of ammonia, so there is no unpleasant smell in the room;
contribute to the good development of animals, which is especially true for piglets.

In addition, used biomats can be used as fertilizer. To do this, the material must be kept in a compost pit, allowing the straw (hay) to completely rot. The main disadvantage of deep bedding is the high cost of the product. But regular use pays off.

Basic Requirements

Fermentation mats are maintenance-free. The main thing is that the bacteria that are contained in the lower layer constantly gain access to the waste products of pigs. It is recommended to pay attention to this circumstance in the summer, when the animals spend most of the day on the pasture.

Another nuance that involves the participation of the farmer is that the biolitter should be periodically (once a month or more often, if required by the manufacturer) mixed. This procedure is necessary because during the processing of waste products of pigs, heat is released, due to which condensate forms in the lower layers. When stirring, excess moisture evaporates.

If this procedure is not carried out regularly, then the processes of decay will begin in the lower layer. Because of this, you will have to change the litter to a new one ahead of time. In addition, so that the recycling process does not stop, it is recommended to plant a small amount of bacteria in the bedding once a month.

Use and care instructions

The non-replaceable litter is laid according to the following algorithm:

The floor in the pigsty is cleared of old straw or hay and dried. Animals at this time should be in a different place.
After drying, the floor is disinfected with appropriate means and whitened. These are not mandatory, but recommended manipulations, after which nothing will affect the development of a bacterial colony.
A layer of straw (hay or other plants) is laid out on the floor with a layer of 20 centimeters.
Bacteria are poured out in an even layer on the laid straw.

It is allowed to carry out the described procedure, provided that the temperature in the pigsty exceeds + 5-10 degrees. This parameter is specified in the instructions that came with the purchased product. If the temperature falls below this value, the bacteria will die.

At the end of the procedure, the straw must be poured with a small amount of water, which “awakens” the microorganisms. You should also turn the straw, thus redistributing the bacteria between the layers. To accelerate the development of a colony of microorganisms, it is recommended to pour out a small amount of bran after the addition.