Suitability of biocompost as a bedding material for stabled horses: respiratory hygiene and management practicalities.

The research article is a study that compares the use of biocompost and wood shavings as bedding for stabled horses, with a focus on the impact of both materials on air hygiene and respiratory health.

Objective of the Research

The main aim of this research was to compare biocompost and wood shavings as bedding materials in horse stables. The comparison took into account various factors influencing air hygiene to evaluate the potential impact of these materials on the horses’ respiratory health.

Methods

• The study was carried out in a naturally ventilated stable with four horses.
• Various parameters of air hygiene were measured 24 hours a day for seven days with both types of bedding. The hygiene parameters included ammonia (NH3), dust, endotoxins, and different bacteria and fungal populations.
• Both bedding materials were also analyzed for their chemical composition, particle size, and natural microbial content.
• The behavior of the horses was monitored using video cameras, and their health status was determined by clinical examination.

Results

• Higher concentrations of ammonia, dust, endotoxins and fungi were found with the use of wood shavings as bedding.
• Oppositely, biocompost bedding had higher concentrations of mesophilic bacteria, actinomycetes, and thermophilic actinomycetes – pollutants known to cause and sustain recurrent airway obstructions in horses.
• Water content was found to be considerably higher in bulk biocompost as compared to wood shavings.
• The number of thermophilic actinomycetes by weight in raw biocompost was found to be 639 times higher than in raw wood shavings.
• The horses’ lying down time remained unchanged irrespective of the bedding used.
• Biocompost was observed to stick more intensively to the horse’s hair coat, though no negative clinical signs were observed from using biocompost during the trials.

Conclusions

The researchers concluded that biocompost is not suitable as a bedding material for horses in stables due to the significantly higher concentration of pollutants that cause and sustain respiratory problems in horses. Despite a higher concentration of some pollutants in wood shavings, the presence of respiratory-impacting pollutants was lesser. Therefore, it was emphasized that rigorous testing is needed before introducing any new bedding material in the market to ensure the well-being of horses.