ABSTRACT

This study compared the advandages and disadvandages of peat, straw and sawdust for use as litter. The way in which peat is used, the amounts used and the effect of the litter on the structural parts of the tying-stall shed and on the labour requirement were investigated, and the quality of milk, the incidents of mastitis and the value of the manure were studied. The results show that peat absorbs urine and binds ammonia better than the other litters tested. Peat manure contains more than the average amounts of nitrogen and magnesium, and the nutriens are in the form that is more readily utilised by plants. The ammonia contents of the cowshed air were slightly lower with peat litter than with either straw or sawdust. The difficulty in peat was in handling it. There were no significant differences between the three litters in terms of the labour required. On the other hand, peat was more difficult to store during the cold winter because it tended to freeze. Urine separation systems were easily blocked by peat. The dust content of the cowshed air rose when peat was used. The litter had no affect on the state of health of the animals or on the quality of the milk. These factors are affected more by conditions on the farm in question. Peat was found to be suitable for use as litter. Flexible use of peat requires storage, spreading method and manure removal be designed specifically for peat. These factors are being studied in the final part of the work, which is still in progress.