Bedding powder: improved welfare and biosecurity in one product

The foundation of a productive milking herd begins not in the parlour, but in the housing. And all modern dairy herds require housing, at least for part of the year. Adequate shelter is more than just a roof over the cow’s head. It’s a carefully managed environment that directly influences animal welfare, biosecurity, and overall herd performance.

Comfortable, clean, dry bedding plays an essential role for hardworking cows, reducing stress, preventing disease and encouraging natural behaviours such as lying and ruminating, which is vital for milk production. This is where bedding powders come into play – absorbing moisture, inhibiting bacterial growth, and safeguarding the wellbeing of the herd.

The consequences of untreated bedding

Dairy cows spend up to 16 hours a day lying down, making bedding one of the most critical components in their environment. Each cow produces over 40 litres of waste a day, saturating the bedding with urine and faeces. Add to that the release of gases such as ammonia and methane, and heat produced by the cow, and you have a humid, warm microclimate that’s ideal for all sorts of pathogens and pests, exposing the herd to increased risk of mastitis, metritis, diarrhoea, and more.

Cow comfort influences productivity

Beyond the critical concerns of biosecurity, cow comfort plays a pivotal role in overall herd productivity. Dairy cows need to rest, ruminate and recover. If stalls are uncomfortable, they are more likely to stand or congregate in walkways. This can elevate stress levels, disrupt feeding patterns, and increase the risk of slips and lameness. Most importantly, insufficient rest will affect milk production. In this context, bedding powders can be a strategic tool – not just for hygiene, but for enhancing the physical comfort and overall welfare of a thriving, productive herd.

What do bedding powders do?

Bedding powders are specifically designed to enhance the cleanliness and comfort of livestock bedding. Applied directly to stalls and other wet areas, they work by absorbing excess moisture, inhibiting harmful bacteria and creating a drier, more comfortable environment for cows to rest.

Key benefits

Moisture and odour controlAbsorbs urine, faeces and humidity to help keep bedding dry, reducing bacterial growth and ammonia build-up.
Pathogen suppressionDryer bedding combined with anti-bacterial ingredients inhibit the spread of pathogens.
Enhanced hygieneHelps keep udders clean, reducing pre-milking preparation.
Improved cow comfortDry bedding encourages longer lying times, supporting rumination, udder health and overall wellbeing.
Lameness preventionDrier floors mean fewer slips and less hoof damage and lameness.
Ease of useCan be integrated easily into daily routines, offering a low-effort, high-impact solution for herd care.
Saves on cost and bedding managementReduces the need for frequent bedding changes.

The hallmarks of a superior disinfecting bedding powder

A top-tier bedding powder should combine superior absorption and drying capacity with a disinfectant action. For example, Envirex+ bedding powder contains 2% Virex (bacterial powder disinfectant) and, according to the adapted protocol of the EN 14349 standard, has a bacterial activity against:

  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Enterococcus hirae
  • Escherichia coli
  • Streptococcus uberis
  • Proteus hauserii
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Listeria monocytogenes
  • Campylobacter jejuni

In addition to its bacterial efficacy, Envirex+ also contains kaolin clay, which is naturally superabsorbent, locking in moisture, odour and volatile compounds such as ammonia. Kaolin clay is pH neutral and kind on skin - this is in contrast to other bedding powders which may contain harsh drying agents such as lime. Plant extracts further enhance absorbency and neutralise ammonia and unpleasant odour. In fact, Envirex+ can absorb 120% of its own weight!

Bedding Powder Blog Post__6

How to use Envirex+

Envirex+ can be used in cubicles, calf boxes, calving boxes and deep litter areas, focused on wet areas including bedding, drinkers, and feeders.

An all-round winner

In today’s increasingly complex and demanding dairy industry, bedding powders stand out as a deceptively simple, yet extremely effective tool. By tackling moisture, suppressing pathogens and enhancing cow comfort, they help farmers create a cleaner, safer, and more restful environment for their high-producing herd. Healthier cows mean higher yields, better fertility and fewer veterinary interventions. For any dairy operation aiming to combine productivity with comfort, it’s a win-win.