Cases
Dairy: Improved animal welfare and reduced slurry handling
At a dairy farm in Løgstør, switching to slurry separation and fibre bedding has resulted in healthier cows, fewer hoof problems and faster milking. At the same time, the volume of slurry for field application has been reduced by approximately 1,000 m³ per year.
Healthier animals and reduced slurry handling
Gerrit Berkhoff, who runs a dairy herd of 200 cows in Løgstør, decided to implement slurry separation on his farm.
"We had problems with cow longevity. Quite simply, we had too many dead cows and a number of hoof issues."
Gerrit Berkhoff
As a result, Gerrit decided to try using fibre from the separator as bedding in the cubicles instead of mattresses. At the time, the barn was equipped with slatted floors and a flush system.
"We have now been using it for several years, and the cows lie down more and for longer periods. We have fewer dead cows and reduced hoof problems. Healthier animals also lead to better carcass results."
Gerrit Berkhoff
Faster milking
The farmer explains that fibre bedding does not create dust in the same way as sawdust or lime, which means the cows are cleaner than before.
"Our cows are cleaner, with cleaner udders in better condition, so we can start milking more quickly. It is also easier to keep the cubicles topped up now that we use fibre, and it does not add significant costs or cause wear on other materials and equipment."
Gerrit Berkhoff
Less slurry handling
Gerrit points out that switching to separation is an investment and requires new routines. For example, the biofibre must be removed on the same day it is separated.
“In practice, we rake the cubicles twice a day and refill them once a week using an old feed truck. In the future, we are considering refilling twice a week, as the slurry separator has the capacity for it.”
Gerrit Berkhoff
When comparing the advantages and disadvantages, Gerrit is satisfied with the transition to slurry separation. One clear benefit is the reduced slurry handling on the farm.
“Slurry handling has become easier. With our 200 cows, we now have around 1,000 cubic metres less slurry to spread each year compared to before. The slurry is also more concentrated and infiltrates the soil more quickly.”
Gerrit Berkhoff
“Our cows are cleaner, with cleaner udders in better condition, which allows us to start milking more quickly. It is also easier to keep the cubicles properly bedded now that we use fibre, and it does not add significant costs or cause additional wear on other materials or equipment.”
Gerrit Berkhoff