Evaluation of environmental and cow health and welfare benefits of compost bedded pack housing systems

Lead Applicant: Renee Bergeron

Research Priority: Animal Health & Welfare

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2021/2022

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Compost bedded pack (CBP) barns are an emerging housing alternative for average-sized dairy farms in Ontario, which can provide benefits to animal welfare and comfort, social acceptability, manure management and soil health. However there is a gap in the research regarding practice optimization specifically for Ontario conditions. This project aims to develop best management practices for the productivity, health, and welfare of cattle on Ontario/Canadian operations using a CBP housing system.