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DAIRY CATTLE AND MILK PRODUCTION 



material that will do this most satisfactorily must be counted 

 the best. Another purpose, and almost as important as the 

 first, is as an absorbent for the urine. Good material for 

 bedding should also be itself clean, which means primarily 

 free from dust. 



The following table gives data regarding the absorptive 

 powers of common bedding material as found by trial by 

 Doane at the Maryland Experiment Station. 



As a result of these trials, Doane states that the amount of 

 the common bedding material needed per day per cow is as 

 follows : 



Cut wheat straw . 2.9 Ib. 



Whole wheat straw 2.3 Ib. 



Cut corn stover 3.2 Ib. 



Sawdust 11.0 Ib. 



Shavings 2.7 Ib. 



From a sanitary standpoint sawdust stands first, followed 

 by shavings. These materials are free from the large num- 

 ber of bacteria and molds that often accompany straw. 

 The bedding to be used in any particular locality will de- 

 pend upon what is available and the comparative cost. 



