Discuss winter herd health at the Bennetsbridge Limestone stand

With winter housing on the horizon, now is a good time for dairy farmers to start thinking ahead and getting sheds and cubicles prepared for the months to come. And farmers heading to the National Ploughing Championships (The Ploughing) in Screggan, Tullamore, can catch up with the team at Bennettsbridge Limestone to discuss their Cubicle Lime range and other lime products for their farm.

As cows spend more time indoors, their body heat, moisture, urine and faecal contamination can create favourable conditions for bacteria to survive and multiply on cubicle beds. Dairy cows are particularly vulnerable during this period, as the teat canal remains open for a period following milking, providing an opportunity for environmental bacteria to enter. 

RISKS

Cows approaching calving are also more susceptible to infection. To reduce these risks, maintaining clean, dry cubicles is an important part of overall herd health and the prevention of mastitis. Regular use of cubicle lime helps by raising the pH of the cubicle bed, creating a less favourable environment for bacterial growth while also helping to absorb moisture.

Bennettsbridge Limestone’s Cubicle Lime range has been developed specifically for livestock housing. A number of formulations are available, allowing farmers to select the product that best suits their individual housing system and management routine. “We understand how important it is for farmers to maintain clean, dry and comfortable cubicles throughout the housing period. Our Cubicle Lime range has been developed with this in mind, combining hydrated lime with a superfine limestone powder to provide excellent coverage and moisture absorption,” said Eoin O’Carroll of Bennettsbridge Limestone.

“The different blends give farmers flexibility to choose a product that suits their own housing system and management routine. Regular application, alongside good cubicle management, can help maintain a cleaner and drier environment for cows.”