The material used as bedding in dairy cattle barns has a direct impact on the comfort, hygiene and udder health of the herd. Among the available options, mineral sand has become a benchmark for many farms due to its behaviour against moisture and bacteria.
Advantages of sand as bedding
- Lower bacterial growth: being an inorganic material, it provides no nutrients for bacteria, reducing the risk of mastitis compared with organic bedding.
- Good drainage: it allows moisture to filter downward, keeping the bedding surface drier.
- Comfort and grip: its texture makes it easier for the cow to stand up and lie down safely, reducing lameness and injuries.
- Reuse: with proper management, part of the sand can be separated from the slurry and reincorporated into the bedding.
What to consider when choosing sand
Not all sand is suitable for this use: it is best to use a uniform particle size, free of excessive fines and sharp particles that could damage the animal's skin. Regular maintenance — topping up and levelling the bedding — is key to preserving the material's benefits over time.
At Mineravi we supply sand specifically for cow bedding straight from the quarry, with the right particle size for this use and supply in large volumes for farms and cooperatives.