Studies on the Potential Use of Fly Ash in Bedding on Dairies
L. Brazil, VMTRC; J. Kirk, Veterinary Medicine Extension; R. Finger, VMTRC; C. Holmberg, VMTRC; W. Sischo, VMTRC; G. Higginbotham, UC Cooperative Extension, Fresno and Madera Co unties
Electrical cogeneration plants burn a variety of materials to generate heat for electricity production. The byproduct of the 1800 F burning is an ash commonly called "fly ash". Many dair ymen are now using this fly ash in various ways in their dairy cow bedding materials.
Problem: Does fly ash help to control the bacterial growth of potential mastitis pathogens in the bedding?
Approach: To test the hypothesis that fly ash will inhibit the growth of bacteria in dairy cow bedding materials, ash was mixed with various proportions of manure in laboratory te sts; tested with seed germination studies and studies under farm conditions on a freestall dairy. The pH and calcium carbonate equivalence determine the ability of the ash to control bacterial growth.

Fly ash from different plants have very different pH and calcium carbonate equivalents.

Adding fly ash will be of some benefit in reducing bacterial growth.

There appears to be no harmful effect on animal health.

Adding fly ash does not replace the need for good bedding management practices.