sugars present in their environment. These can be further metabolised by the LAB and Bacillus strains.


4


Mode of action The inoculation of the bedding and/or manure/ slurry with a high concentration of beneficial bacteria in combination with enzymes will influ-


ence their microbial ecosystem, favour the development of positive fermentation and thus promote the development of positive microflora. How? • The enzymes work in complete synergy with the bacteria; they release fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic ma- terials in bedding such as straw or woodchips or from the organic waste.


• The microorganisms use these sugars as nutrients, allowing them to grow better.


The presence and the action of these specific bacteria positively redirect the fermentation within the bedding or manure. This translates into benefits at three levels: • Positive bedding microbial balance for a safer housing environment;


• Building environment with less odour and lower NH3 emissions;


• Greater value and consistency of organic waste. 5


On-farm benefits of a safe microbial environment When, in addition to good hygiene and manage- ment practices, a bedding product containing the


enzymes and bacteria combination is applied, the three levels of benefits have been measured in different dairy farm set- tings. • Using the manure and bedding solution helps producers maintain a safe microbial environment for the cows with preserved bedding quality, positively impacting animal welfare and performance. For example, long-term usage helps lead to the reduction of somatic cell count in milk (Figure 2).


• Several field trials in dairy cows, goats and ewe show a consistent reduction of ammonia emissions (Figure 3).


• Consequently, the farm organic wastes show improved quality. The solid manure becomes a better soil enrichment product since its dry matter and nutrient fixation are im- proved. Total nitrogen quantity is higher, and there is a higher organic nitrogen proportion than in the control group. Thus, more nitrogen is available to feed plants for a longer period. Slurry can also be positively influenced by microbial inocu- lation on slatted floors or on a concrete area. The resulting slurry is more fluid (less crusting) and has higher nitrogen retention. The improved consistency of both manure and slurry has a positive consequence on organic waste man- agement at farm level.


90


80 70 60


50


40 30 20 10


Monthly cleaning 1 Monthly cleaning 2 > -50 %


Figure 2 - Monitoring of somatic cell count on a single dairy farm. Comparison between year 1 as control and year 2 with the use of the microbial bedding product. Stall system with chopped straw as bedding material (Lallemand internal data. 2017. Commercial farm, France).


600 000


Year 1 (Control) Year 2 (Microbial bedding product application)


500 000 400 000


300 000 200 000 100 000


EU milk penalty area


Conclusion Microorganisms are everywhere. The microbial environment of dairy cows – from bedding material to manure and slurry – is key to good farm management, both in terms of animal welfare and the improved value of farm waste. It is an aspect that is often overlooked. Applying a solution combining a specific LAB, Bacillus and enzymes to bedding and manure has been shown to help influence their microbial ecosys- tems, favouring positive fermentation. This new approach to farm hygiene results in benefit at three levels: maintenance of bedding quality, better building environments with less ammonia and odour emissions and enhanced value of the organic waste.


Figure 3 - Monitoring of ammonia level on day of cleaning in a single dairy goat building with one control pen and two inoculated pens (Lallemand internal data. 2017. Commercial farm, USA).


Microbial bedding product application (Pen 1,2)


No microbial bedding product application


CONTROL pen Monthly cleaning 3


Treated pen 1 Monthly


cleaning 4


Treated pen 2 Cleaning M5


▶ DAIRY GLOBAL | Volume 8, No. 2, 2021


31


Ammonia levels during cleaning NH3 (ppm)


Tank somatic cell count (SCC) /ml


January February March


April


May June


July August September October November December January February Macrh


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