Bedding is an operational element with a direct impact on animal health and economic performance, although it is often treated as a secondary cost. European technical evaluations show that inadequate bedding increases the incidence of hoof lesions, mastitis, and respiratory problems, with measurable effects on production. In dairy farms, high bedding moisture is associated with increases of 20–30% in the rate of clinical mastitis, affecting both milk quantity and quality.

The type of material used influences absorption capacity and bacterial load. Properly chopped straw, dry sawdust, and thermally treated alternative materials deliver different results depending on the housing system. Analyses show that bedding with moisture levels below 25–30% reduces infection risk and maintains animal comfort, promoting longer resting times. In dairy farms, one additional hour of daily rest is correlated with production increases of 0.8–1.2 liters per cow per day.

In Romania, variability in practices remains high, and farms that regularly monitor bedding conditions achieve more stable results. For 2025, bedding management becomes an optimization tool with rapid impact, requiring no major structural investments while delivering direct benefits for animal health and productivity.

(Photo: Freepik)