Characteristics of Rice Hulls, Sawdust, Wood Shavings and Mixture of Sawdust and Wood Shavings, and Their Usefulness According to the Pen Location for Hanwoo Cattle.

Gyu Chul Ahn,Young Kyun Oh,Keun Kyu Park,Sun Sik Jang,Hyung Jun Kwak,Sang Rak Lee

doi:10.5713/ajas.15.0863

Gyu Chul Ahn, Young Kyun Oh + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.15.0863

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Abstract

In this study, two experiments were conducted to investigate the physicochemical characteristics (Exp. I) of bedding materials such as rice hulls (RH), sawdust (SD), wood shavings (WS) and sawdust+wood shavings (S+W; 1:1 in volume), and utilization of these beddings except RH (Exp. II) for rearing beef cattle. In Exp. I, the distribution of particle size (%) with 250 μm and below 250 μm was greater (p<0.05) in SD (30.4) than RH (4.4), WS (18.8) and S+W (20.1). Bulk density (kg/m3) of bedding materials was directly proportional to the percentage of 250 μm and below 250 μm particles, 178, 46, 112, and 88 for SD, WD, S+W and RH, respectively. Water absorption rate (%) after submersion in water for 24 h was higher (p<0.05) in WS (540.2) compared to SD (270.2), S+W (368.2). The S+W had an intermediate value of the absorption rate between SD and WS, but had an outstanding durability of water absorption capacity. Moisture evaporation rate (%) for 12 h was higher (p<0.05) in WS (75.4) than SD (70.5), S+W (72.2) and RH (57.8). Average ammonia emission (mg/m2/h) for 36 h was higher (p<0.05) in RH (3.15) than SD (1.70), WS (1.63), and S+W (1.73). In Exp. II, thirty six Hanwoo cows were allocated in 9 pens with one side on feed bunk side (Side A) and another side equipped with water supply (Side B) for 3 weeks with duplicated periods. Average moisture concentrations (%) of beddings were higher (p<0.05) in WS (side A, 65.7; side B, 57.9) than SD (side A, 62.5; side B, 52.2) and S+W (side A, 61.6; side B, 50.7). Regardless of types of beddings, moisture concentrations (%) of beddings within a pen were lower (p<0.05) at side B than A, implying longer period of utilization. These results suggest that using S+W would be a better choice than SD or WS alone, considering physicochemical characteristics and economics, and RH is not a suitable material as a bedding for beef cattle.

Highlights

Regardless of types of beddings, moisture concentrations (%) of beddings within a pen were lower (p
In South Korea, there is increasing public concern about the welfare of farm animals, but relatively little information has been published regarding the effect on farm animal welfare of managing farm environment, especially bedding materials for rearing beef cattle
Floor type and bedding materials on the floor may have no significant effect on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of beef cattle (Lowe et al, 2001)

Summary

Introduction

In South Korea, there is increasing public concern about the welfare of farm animals, but relatively little information has been published regarding the effect on farm animal welfare of managing farm environment, especially bedding materials for rearing beef cattle. Submitted Oct. 20, 2015; Revised Dec. 11, 2015; Accepted Jan. 7, 2016 environment, Hanwoo spend most of their time on beddings, proper bedding management is important to maximize productivity and welfare of farm livestock. Floor type and bedding materials on the floor may have no significant effect on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of beef cattle (Lowe et al, 2001). According to Olson (1940) and Lowe et al (2001), floor type and bedding materials in the pen affect welfare of farm animal, and management of bedding materials can affect production cost of rearing beef steers.

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