Calf care checklist: Alternative bedding options

By Dr. Lucas Mitchell, Vita Plus calf and heifer specialist

In general, wheat straw is viewed as the gold standard of bedding material for dairy calves, especially in cold climates. Other common bedding materials used for dairy calves in the U.S. are sawdust, wood shavings and sand. The popularity of each is primarily driven by climate, availability and price.

Farmers and calf raisers generally have a very strong understanding of the pros and cons of these four bedding materials because they are so prevalent.  However, several alternative bedding materials may be available in your area and their pros and cons are often not as well known. The goal of this article is to highlight some of these alternative bedding materials and outline the pros and cons of each.

Various grain husks/hulls (barley, spelt, triticale, wheat, rice)

Pros

• Dry
• Absorbent
• Low levels of dust
• Low levels of dirt contamination
• Organic material (easy disposal)
• Spelt, triticale, and wheat husks are low-density and fluffy, allowing calves to nestle.

Cons

• Prickly (a University of Arkansas study noted rice hulls stuck to calves and may have increased self-grooming)
• Barley husks have relatively increased levels of nitrogen compared to other grain husks, which may increase ammonia volatilization.
• Barley and rice husks are relatively denser, which may limit their application in cold climates.

Flax, hemp and triticale straw

Pros

• Dry
• Absorbent
• Low levels of dust
• Low levels of dirt contamination
• Organic material (easy disposal)
• Low density allows calves to nestle

Cons

• Hemp and triticale straw tend to be long and may need further processing for ideal particle size.
• Flax straw tends to be sharp and prickly.

Bark mulch

Pros

• Low levels of dust
• Low levels of dirt contamination
• Organic material (easy disposal)

Cons

• May have increased moisture content relative to other bedding materials
• Increased moisture enhances bacterial proliferation
• Not suitable for cold climates
• Poor absorbency

Corn and soybean harvest residue (soybean stubble and corn stalks)

Pros

• Dry
• Absorbent
• Organic material (easy disposal)

Cons

• Tend to be dusty, especially soybean stubble
• Tend to have high levels of dirt contamination
• Corn stalks need extra processing for more desirable particle size.
• Soybean stubble can be sharp and prickly.
• Not ideal for young calves in cold climates

With any bedding material, the most important factors in determining its acceptability of use for dairy calves are:

• Clean
• Dry
• Provided in abundance

Under these conditions, bacteria levels can be minimized, and calves can be kept clean, dry, and warm.