Many producers who use manure solids for bedding want the bedding material to undergo a process that reduces pathogens. There are two principal methods for achieiving this: composting and chemical sanitization.

Composting - There are three popular methods of bulk composting used on dairy farms to achieve a high quality bedding material.

The INTEGRITY Aerated Static Pile (ASP) method forces air through the pile and controls temperature to optimize the biological process. Pathogen and weed seed kill are complete in about 21 days and the odor-free material can be used for both bedding and as an agricultural soil amendment. To prepare the product for retail sale, the pile should be turned and the composting process extended for another three weeks. This will ensure a market-grade material of soil-like texture. The ASP method is fast and effective, requires a fairly small footprint, is best undertaken in a commodity shed and suited for smaller operations.

The traditional Turned Windrow method is typically undertaken out-of-doors on an area that has been prepared for proper drainage. Its footprint is much larger than the ASP method because it takes much longer - 60 to 90 days. The separated manure solids are configured to form long rows that are turned periodically with a purpose-designed windrow turner. This method is often used by larger scale operations where the primary purpose is to generate revenue by selling bulk compost off the farm. It is not the best method for creating bedding from manure solids because it occurs outside and is subject to weather events.

In-vessel Composting is similar to the ASP method but the process occurs on a continuous basis (rather than a batch basis) inside a specially designed inclined, rotating drum. It is fed by a specialized Manure Separator. Pathogen and weed seed kill are accomplished in a matter of a few days and the finished material is dry, consistent and ready for use as bedding as it exits the drum.

Chemical Sanitization - INTEGRITY developed bedSTAT™ as an alternative to composting. Its primary purpose is to condition manure solids for re-use as bedding. bedSTAT achieves a significant reduction in pathogens but does not kill weed seeds. bedSTAT is typically applied to the manure reception pit prior to separation and the product off the separator is immediately ready for use in the barn as bedding. Whether used alone or in conjunction with composting, bedSTAT has a residual effect that resonates in the pile (and in the stall),to provide a sustained bactericidal effect lasting several days. Testing, performed in conjunction with Cornell University, confirms that bedSTAT is harmless to humans and animals and is environmentally safe. bedSTAT can also be used in conjunction with composting as an accelerator.