Manure management and hygienic conditions of dairy cows in cubicles bedded with separated manure solids

Manure management affects hygiene, animal welfare, work organization and costs on dairy farms. The use of recycled separated manure solids as bedding for loose housed dairy cows is considered cost-effective because avoiding the purchase of bedding material. This new practise is applied by several dairy farms in USA and by a few modern dairy farms in Italy, although there is some resistance from farm advisors and veterinarians. The main aim of the research was to improve housing systems and manure management in dairy farms in order to favour better conditions of welfare and hygiene of cows and to reduce costs of dairy farms.