FLEXITUNNEL REPORT:
THE DEEP LITTER SYSTEM
Best practice for FlexiTunnel
calf rearing shelters
The recommended “Deep Litter Bedding” in our FlexiTunnel Calf Rearing Concept plays an integral part in guaranteeing the successful rearing of calves year after year, effectively preventing possible disease build-up in a warm and well-functioning deep litter system.
Once the composting process is fully functioning, manure and urine will be broken down due to the action of aerobic bacteria. “Good bacteria” will soon triumph over the bad or anaerobic bacteria and will quickly break down fresh manure.
The heat produced in the process not only helps the composting process but keeps the bedding warm for additional calf comfort.
Furthermore, it does away with the need to replace the bedding after every season and thereby generating huge savings in labour and litter cost that can amount to thousands of dollars every year.
Product
Different timber by-products can be used as deep litter. The ideal mix however is made up of some fine (shavings, sawdust, etc.) and some coarse particles (bark, peelings, wood chips, etc.) to help with both, moisture absorption and aeration. Straw is not recommended as it easily mats down and can harbour moulds. There are specialised commercial animal bedding suppliers in both the North Island and South Island.
Placement
The deep litter should ideally be placed right on top of the natural ground to help facilitate easy access for the microbiological soil life. It is preferable that it is placed on natural ground (soil) rather than on sub-soil or a shingle platform to assist soil micro-organism and worms getting into the deep-litter, supporting the composting process.
Reasonably free draining ground is ideal. If additional drainage is required some ground conditions will benefit by simply raising the ground level. It is recommended this is done by temporarily removing 10 to 30cm of topsoil, adding a layer of free-draining material and reinstating the topsoil on top of it.
In order to properly function, the deep litter needs to have a minimum depths of 25 to 30cm but can be up to ½ meter deep. For best success, never place deep litter on top of an impermeable surface, and never settle for less than 25cm depth.
Maintenance and renewal
Any excess manure can be dug into the litter once or twice a week. After calving season (or every 2 to 3 months) the top 5 to 10cm of litter can be turned over and some fresh litter added if needed.
Replacing the deep litter between batches of calves or at the end of the season and/or sterilizing the calf rearing facilities can be a thing of the past. The bedding can simply be replaced every 3 to 5 years and used as top quality compost.
The FlexiTunnel advantage
With the FlexiTunnel Calf Rearing System, there are no dark corners and places where diseases can harbour and survive.
Passive solar gain in the FlexiTunnel and the microbial activity raises the temperature in the deep litter, helping to efficiently composting the manure and the removal of pathogens. Heat released will also warm the bedding and the tunnels environment.
Unrestricted sunshine and heat reaching into every corner of the FlexiTunnel will sterilize and keep all the litter dry and clean. Manure and urine if left in the litter will simply going through a composting process rather than just rot away.
The recommended “Deep Litter Bedding” in our FlexiTunnel Calf Rearing Concept plays an integral part in guaranteeing the successful rearing of calves year after year, effectively preventing possible disease build-up in a warm and well-functioning deep litter system.
Once the composting process is fully functioning, manure and urine will be broken down due to the action of aerobic bacteria. “Good bacteria” will soon triumph over the bad or anaerobic bacteria and will quickly break down fresh manure.
The heat produced in the process not only helps the composting process but keeps the bedding warm for additional calf comfort.
Furthermore, it does away with the need to replace the bedding after every season and thereby generating huge savings in labour and litter cost that can amount to thousands of dollars every year.
Product
Different timber by-products can be used as deep litter. The ideal mix however is made up of some fine (shavings, sawdust, etc.) and some coarse particles (bark, peelings, wood chips, etc.) to help with both, moisture absorption and aeration. Straw is not recommended as it easily mats down and can harbour moulds. There are specialised commercial animal bedding suppliers in both the North Island and South Island.
Placement
The deep litter should ideally be placed right on top of the natural ground to help facilitate easy access for the microbiological soil life. It is preferable that it is placed on natural ground (soil) rather than on sub-soil or a shingle platform to assist soil micro-organism and worms getting into the deep-litter, supporting the composting process.
Reasonably free draining ground is ideal. If additional drainage is required some ground conditions will benefit by simply raising the ground level. It is recommended this is done by temporarily removing 10 to 30cm of topsoil, adding a layer of free-draining material and reinstating the topsoil on top of it.
In order to properly function, the deep litter needs to have a minimum depths of 25 to 30cm but can be up to ½ meter deep. For best success, never place deep litter on top of an impermeable surface, and never settle for less than 25cm depth.
Maintenance and renewal
Any excess manure can be dug into the litter once or twice a week. After calving season (or every 2 to 3 months) the top 5 to 10cm of litter can be turned over and some fresh litter added if needed.
Replacing the deep litter between batches of calves or at the end of the season and/or sterilizing the calf rearing facilities can be a thing of the past. The bedding can simply be replaced every 3 to 5 years and used as top quality compost.
The FlexiTunnel advantage
With the FlexiTunnel Calf Rearing System, there are no dark corners and places where diseases can harbour and survive.
Passive solar gain in the FlexiTunnel and the microbial activity raises the temperature in the deep litter, helping to efficiently composting the manure and the removal of pathogens. Heat released will also warm the bedding and the tunnels environment.
Unrestricted sunshine and heat reaching into every corner of the FlexiTunnel will sterilize and keep all the litter dry and clean. Manure and urine if left in the litter will simply going through a composting process rather than just rot away.
