When it comes to dairy farming, cow comfort isn’t a luxury. It’s essential for herd health, milk yield and farm efficiency.
One of the most overlooked factors that directly affects all three is bedding quality. Even if your system has been running smoothly, your bedding might be underperforming, and your cows may be the first to notice.
Here are five clear signs that your current cattle bedding might not be up to scratch and what you can do about it.
1. An increase in Mastitis or High Somatic Cell Count
If you’re witnessing an increase in mastitis cases or a consistently high somatic cell count, your cattle bedding could be contributing. Dirty or damp bedding encourages bacterial growth, making infections more likely. If you’re seeing recurring issues even after cleaning routines, you might want to try an alternative bedding to see if it makes a difference.
Look for bedding that is kiln-dried with low moisture content to help reduce bacterial risk.
2. Wet patches in cubicles or loafing areas
Bedding that doesn’t absorb moisture efficiently will leave cubicles damp and uncomfortable. This not only affects lying time, but also increases foot problems and hygiene concerns for your cows.
If you’re topping up bedding more often than usual, or cows are choosing to stand rather than lie down, check the absorbency rating of your material.
3. Strong ammonia smells
A strong smell in your housing area is a clue that bedding isn’t neutralising waste effectively. Ammonia build-up affects cow health (especially respiratory) and can be a sign that the bedding lacks absorbency or is too coarse.
4. Cows are not lying down as often or for long enough
Comfort equals production. Cows should ideally lie down for 12–14 hours a day. If they’re reluctant, it’s worth inspecting the bedding. Is it lumpy, dusty, or clumping? Even if the surface looks okay, poor bedding texture can discourage lying.
5. You’re using more bedding than you should be
If you’re getting through too much bedding, the material may be too fine, too light, or not lasting between clean-outs. Overuse might seem harmless, but it raises costs and workload.
How can we help?
If one or more of these signs sound familiar, it could be time to review your current setup. Great bedding should be absorbent, low-dust, comfortable, and easy to manage, supporting both cow welfare and your bottom line.
At NW Resources, our sawdusts and wood fibre products are designed specifically with dairy systems in mind. Clean, consistent and trusted by farmers across the UK.
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