Miscanthus horse bedding compares well to alternatives

Abstract

Traditionally horses are bedded on straw. However, other bedding materials may perform better than straw with respect to hygiene and labour requirements. The objective of this study is to compare various alternative bedding materials, in particular miscanthus, with straw and to elaborate recommendations for their optimal use. For this purpose a field trial was performed in a horse stable with four different bedding materials, namely wood chips, miscanthus chips, miscanthus pellets and straw. Operation time and costs were recorded. The water-holding and ammonium absorption capacity of the bedding material was measured in a laboratory analysis. The amount of material and time required for handling and transporting bedding material and manure are lowest for miscanthus because of its high water- and ammonia-binding capacity. Overall however, straw bedding is the cheapest solution, followed by wood shavings and miscanthus pellets. This is due to the relatively high material costs for miscanthus bedding material and additional raw feed required. It is concluded that miscanthus bedding can be recommended for professional equestrian sport, which would benefit from the short time frame required for mucking out and the better health of the horses. Respiratory diseases and allergic reactions of horses can be reduced by the low dust emissions and high water- and ammonia-holding capacity of miscanthus. Miscanthus bedding is also of interest for horse farms with limited manure storage and disposal opportunities, which is often the case for farms in urban areas.