For normal development, pigs require the creation of certain conditions. In particular, animals need an enclosed space with a heated floor. Creating and maintaining such conditions requires a lot of effort. Specialized bedding for pigs, containing a so-called fermentation layer, helps make life easier for livestock farmers. This coating does not require replacement for 1-5 years.
Types 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 stalks.
The second layer, located in close proximity to the plank base of the pigsty, is formed by special bacteria. These microorganisms process pig waste. Thanks to the described process, the inside of the pigsty is always dry, and the room needs to be cleaned no more than once a year (if expensive bedding is used, then every 3-5 years).
When digesting waste, microorganisms release heat, thereby maintaining the room temperature at 25 degrees. But this process cannot be stopped, otherwise the bacteria will die.
The popularity of bio-litter is due to another reason: the larger the number of livestock, the more efficiently waste products are digested.
Advantages and disadvantages of technology
Fermentation litters have the following advantages over standard ones:
- do not require frequent replacement;
- prevent the appearance of rodents and mold, as they maintain cleanliness in the pigsty;
- suitable for use in pigsties with large numbers of animals;
- eliminates the release of ammonia, so there is no unpleasant odor in the room;
- contribute to the good development of animals, which is especially important for piglets.
In addition, used bio-litter 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 litter is the high cost of the product. But regular use pays for itself.
Primary requirements
Fermentation beddings require no maintenance. The main thing is that the bacteria 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 animals spend most of the day on pasture.
Another nuance that requires the participation of the farmer is that bio-litter needs to be mixed periodically (once a month or more often if required by the manufacturer). This procedure is necessary because during the processing of pig waste products, heat is released, which causes condensation to form in the lower layers. When stirring, excess moisture evaporates.
If this procedure is not carried out regularly, then rotting processes will begin in the lower layer. Because of this, you will have to replace the litter with a new one ahead of time. In addition, to ensure that the recycling process does not stop, it is recommended to plant a small amount of bacteria in the litter once a month.
Rules of use and care
Permanent litter is laid according to the following algorithm:
- The floor in the pigsty is cleared of old straw or hay and dried. Animals must be in a different place at this time.
- 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 the bacterial colony.
- A layer of straw (hay or other plants) is laid out on the floor in a layer of 20 centimeters.
- Bacteria are sprinkled onto the laid straw in an even layer.
It is allowed to carry out the described procedure provided that the temperature in the pigsty exceeds +5-10 degrees. This setting is specified in the instructions included with the purchased product. If the temperature drops below this value, the bacteria will die.
At the end of the procedure, the straw must be watered with a small amount of water, which “awakens” the microorganisms.You should also turn the straw, thus redistributing the bacteria between the layers. To speed up the development of a colony of microorganisms, it is recommended to sprinkle a small amount of bran after colonization.
