Bacteria for bedding in a pigsty: advantages and disadvantages, types and care

Regardless of the type of livestock, the latter require certain conditions for normal development. It takes a lot of effort for breeders to create a favorable living environment, since it is necessary not only to ensure a constant supply of food and water, but also to clean up after animals. The use of bacteria for bedding in the pigsty, which “digest” livestock waste, helps to facilitate the work of farmers.

Technology description

Bedding with bacteria (fermentation or deep) is a flooring made of straw (shavings or sawdust are also used), in which specially bred microorganisms are placed.The latter process the waste products of animals, so that the place of residence of livestock always remains clean. One of the features of fermentation mats is that all processes take place in the lower layers. This keeps the deck surface dry for an extended period.

In the process of processing waste products inside the pigsty, the temperature rises to +25 degrees. This allows cattle breeders not to worry about the need to organize heating in the autumn-winter period.

The frequency of bio-litter replacement depends on the quality of the latter. Expensive products can be re-bedded every three years. Budget options change more often. At the same time, the effectiveness of biobedding directly depends on the number of living animals: the more livestock, the better the flooring works.

Advantages and disadvantages of using

The advantages of biobedding include the following:

ease of use (bio litter is installed in much the same way as regular straw flooring);
no rodents, as the pigsty is constantly maintained at a high temperature and cleanliness;
fermentation litter is suitable for pigsties with 3-5 or more animals;
no unpleasant smell in the pigsty, as bacteria prevent the release of ammonia into the air;
animals develop better, as they are constantly warm and clean;
no need to change flooring frequently;
old bio litter can be used as fertilizer.

As already noted, fermentation mats reduce labor costs and simplify livestock breeding. But compared to straw flooring, this product is significantly more expensive. However, over time, the cost of biobedding pays off.

Types of bedding

Fermentation mats are divided into several types, depending on the type of material in which bacteria are "settled":

straw;
from hay;
from dried corn trunks;
of moss;
from feather grass;
from sunflower and buckwheat seed husks;
from coarse wood shavings.

Expensive biobeds are supplemented with organic matter, enzymes and amino acids. Such products are better at recycling biological waste.

Installation and operating rules

The fermentation bed with biobacteria is laid in several stages:

The pigsty is completely cleared of old bedding and dried. Before laying the biolitter, it is recommended to whitewash and disinfect the room by driving out the piglets.
The bottom layer of hay or straw 20 centimeters deep is laid out on the floor. Without this foundation, the biolitter does not work. Wood shavings can be used as a substitute for hay.
Biobacteria are scattered evenly over the surface of the straw (hay). The procedure is allowed to be carried out provided that the air temperature in the pigsty is not lower than + 5-10 degrees (this limit is indicated in the instructions).

Bacteria must be scattered, strictly following the recommendations of the instructions. After the procedure is completed, the bedding should be poured with a small amount of water. Thanks to this effect, the bacteria wake up and get to work. After that, the litter is stirred up so that the microorganisms are evenly redistributed over the layers.

Bran helps to accelerate the reproduction of bacteria, which must be scattered simultaneously with the powder from the jar. Thanks to this, microorganisms will immediately receive food. In order to save money, it is recommended to spread the bacteria in the area where manure usually remains.

Microorganisms begin to "work" in full force a few days after scattering. This is due to the fact that at this point the piglets are compressing the top layer of straw (hay). In the future, the litter must be periodically stirred up.

It is also recommended to add a small amount of biobacteria. This approach will ensure a continuous process of processing the waste products of pigs.

Bio-matting should be changed either after the expiration date (indicated on the packaging), or at the moment when the straw becomes wet (stops absorbing moisture). Bedding becomes dark (black) after the expiration date.

Pig litter care

Caring for bedding with bacteria does not require much effort. As noted, to maintain conditions suitable for the development of microorganisms, it is enough to periodically turn the straw with a pitchfork.Due to this, the temperature of the lower layer, where the heat obtained during the processing of manure accumulates, will decrease. Also, after tedding, the accumulated moisture partially evaporates. Due to this, the straw below does not rot.

Waste material is allowed to be used as plant food. Before applying such a fertilizer to the ground, straw with biobacteria should be placed in a compost pit for several days and allowed to rot there.

Is there any benefit to fermentation bedding?

The benefits of fermentation bedding are noticeable in the first year. Thanks to this product, there is no need to frequently change the straw (hay) in the pigsty, which is especially true for those who have more than five animals. It is necessary to re-lay the biomaterial once a year (and expensive ones - every three years).

The second advantage of the fermentation litter, which cattle breeders pay attention to, is that the air temperature in the pigsty does not drop to low levels even in winter.This reduces the cost of organizing a heating system and installing additional materials on walls and floors.

The payback period depends on the type of bio-litter and the place of use. If the material is installed in large buildings containing several pigs, then the cost of purchasing the flooring is returned within the first months. Over time, due to increased animal productivity, biolitter will become an indirect source of additional income.