We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.EQUESTRIAN SPECIAL
Alternative bedding . . . and some new products . . .
STRAW has always been the traditional bedding for horses, but lack of availability of a consistent quality product, a reduction in the number of farmers producing small bales and the problem of disposing of muck heaps are just some of the reasons why horses owners are looking to alternative bedding.
There is an abundance of products of the market but, at face value, most would appear to be significantly more expensive than straw. However, they do have advantages and can work out to be cost effective, if used correctly.
Most can be stored outside, are labour saving, less quantity is needed - resulting in smaller muck heaps - and they can be used in conjunction with stable mats, which may increase savings, once the cost of mats has been calculated.
Most bedding companies will offer good discounts for bulk deliveries, so it is worth getting together with others to share loads and so reduce the price.
NEW PRODUCTS
- MISCANTHUS PURE bedding is produced from 100 per cent pure chopped miscanthus (elephant grass) and is dust extracted, contains no additives and is very long lasting. It is environmentally friendly – miscanthus is grown to help reduce greenhouse gas production, it is renewable and energy efficient. Mischanthus Pure can be used as deep litter, initially eight to 10 bales in per stable, then top up as necessary. It may be necessary to sprinkle with water at first to prevent the bed moving. Only droppings and wet patches need be removed, making it economical.
RRP £5.99 www.miscanthuspure.co.uk - EASY Lay comes in two types - as pure, dust extracted chopped straw or with the addition of plant extracts, which give the straw a bitter taste, making it unpalatable. It contains both fly repellent and antiseptic properties. Easy Lay comes in very compact bales, making it easier to handle than conventional straw, but don’t be fooled as there is a lot of straw in a small bale. Soiled bedding rapidly decomposes. It will take about three to six bales to bed a stable initially, then one to two bales per week to maintain.
RRP £4.90 E-mail: easylaybedding@tiscali.co.uk - ECOBED is made from clean, uncontaminated cardboard. It does not ahave any removable print ink - unlike newspaper. The bedding does not blow about as the pieces of board are denser than paper and it is unpalatable to even the greediest horse. It is a manufactured product, not one made from ‘waste’ from another industry, so shortages do not occur. EcoBed is bio-degradable and can be used as mulch on gardens. Because it is made of corrugated cardboard, urine quickly runs through the bed to the floor of the stable, leaving the top surface of the bed dry and odourless. It is also virtually dust free and proven to be successful with COPD and other respiratory problems.
RRP £5.50www.ecobed.co.uk - CORLEY Bio-Wood pellets are a by-product of the lumber industry and consist of wood fibres which have been sorted and compressed, heat treated and sterilised to remove allergens. When water is added to the pellets, they expand and can absorb nine times more liquid than shavings, which reduces the amount of waste you are removing and lowers the cost of bedding. They require less storage space and are easy to handle. Available in 10kg and 25kg bags direct.
Now on offer – 100 x 10kg bags £234s
