Jamestown, Ohio * (937) 675-6169
Providing the highest quality in livestock & equestrian bedding since 1962.
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Jamestown, Ohio * (937) 675-6169 Providing the highest quality in livestock & equestrian bedding since 1962.
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Some "sawdust" can be dangerous to certain animals, particularly if they are confined to a stall for the majority of the time. Because of his expertise in this area, Gary Deer, Sr. has worked with veterinarians and the Ohio State University Agricultural and Extension Services department to provide information on bedding safety based on his many years of experience. Kiln Dried Sawdust Sawdust that is dried using a convection heating system called a "kiln" is known as kiln dried. It generally consists of tiny ground shavings. While often popular, kiln dried bedding can be so dry that the excessive dust it contains may actually collect in an animal's lungs. If you need a mask to work with the material just to clean stalls, imagine what the animal must be breathing? In addition, if the material has been dried too much, it may actually be too dry to absorb the liquid waste it was intended to capture. Depending on the type of wood, the removal of nearly all moisture is counterproductive to absorbency because the pores and capillaries of the wood material actually dry up and collapse. Claims that kiln dried is better are supported by the idea that if it's dryer, it must absorb more. This is inaccurate. Remember that sawdust is made of wood. Wood is a fibrous, porous material that depends on a certain amount of moisture to keep it porous and absorbent. If you're not convinced, take two cups of kiln dried sawdust and put it in a flat pan. Pour about 8 ounces of water into the sawdust and watch what happens. While some of the water is absorbed, the majority is not and the sawdust may actually float. Bagged Shavings The main concern with bagged shavings is the addition of fire retardant chemicals. This chemical can actually cause an allergic reaction from individual animals. While not all are allergic to it, by the time you discover the problem, your livestock could be seriously ill. There is also an environmental issue concerning the disposal of the plastic bags. Cedar & Walnut Sawdust from cedar or walnut can smell nice but could potentially be toxic. When the chemicals in this type of wood reacts with animal urine, the result is a type of toxin that can enter through the skin and injure the animal. If You Use Kiln Dried or Walnut/Cedar Shavings Check with your veterinarian about the safety of using this material with your animals. In addition, Gary Deer & Sons does not supply kiln dried material or sawdust containing cedar or walnut. If you have used this kind of material, please notify us when you call to order your bedding. Due to the extensive liability involved, we reserve the right to refuse delivery to any customer who may already be using one of these products. Liability Gary Deer & Sons provides the best possible material for your livestock bedding needs. However, we advise you to consult your veterinarian before using any bedding product over a long period of time. Any liability to the care and safety of livestock rests with the owner of the animals and the management of the boarding facility. Dairies and beef producers should review research on bacterial research concerning sawdust shavings as bedding. Here is one study: http://www.das.psu.edu/research-extension/dairy/dairy-digest/articles/dd200906-02 For more information contact Gary Deer & Sons at 937-675-6169 |
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