Use of RMS as bedding investigated
The risks, and benefits, of using recycled manure solids (RMS) as bedding for dairy cattle are to be investigated by scientists.
A research contract has been awarded to Nottingham University Vet School, The Dairy Group and Quality Milk Management Services (QMMS), to gather scientific information.
Defra will then use this data to further analyse the risks in order to determine whether the use of RMS as bedding should be allowed under the EU animal by-products regulation.
According to not-for-profit organisation DairyCo, which awarded the research contract, rising costs and reduced availability of bedding sources has resulted in many dairy farmers looking for more cost-effective alternatives.
The organisation says that interest in the use of RMS as bedding is growing globally, including in the UK.
However, the regulations classify manure as a category 2 animal by-product, and animal bedding is not currently listed as a permissible disposal route for category 2 material.
Despite the growing interest, the organisation says that there is currently a lack of scientific evidence on the effect that using RMS as bedding may have on disease transmission.
During a meeting with Defra and other industry stakeholders in June this year, it was agreed that a study would be conducted to gather scientific information.
A progress report on the research is expected by October 31, 2013, and a final report by February 28, 2014.
Defra has issued advice on interpreting the current EU animal by-products regulations, which can be found on the AHVLA website.
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
