Maintaining excellent cow hygiene and comfort is essential during the winter housing period.

As cows rest, their body heat transfers to the cubicle surface, where bacteria can thrive and multiply.

Dairy cows are particularly vulnerable to infection during this period, as their teat canals remain open for a few hours each day, unlike those of dry cows.

Cows nearing calving are also at higher risk.

To reduce these risks, most farmers rely on cubicle lime to raise the pH of cubicle beds and prevent bacterial growth.

Preventative approach to reducing mastitis

One such farmer is Richard Barron, who milks 240 cows on a 400ac platform in Co. Waterford.

Watch the video below to hear Richard explain how Bennettsbridge Limestone’s cubicle lime has played a key role in reducing bacterial build-up, supporting him with the prevention of mastitis.

Richard explained: “I’ve stayed away from sawdust blends because they just don’t work in my yard. I wanted a product with hydrated lime in it for its killing power.

“To try and avoid any mastitis developing, we lime the cubicles twice a day – morning and evening – to keep the cows’ teats dry and in good order.”

Richard uses Bennettsbridge Limestone’s 15% Hydrated Lime Blend, which provides extra protection while maintaining cow comfort.

Keeping cubicles, teats, and udders dry is crucial for cow hygiene and preventing bacteria.

The Co. Waterford farmer added: “Bennettsbridge Limestone Cubicle Lime soaks up moisture and keeps the bed really dry.

“When the cows come into the parlour, their teats are in good condition and their udders are dry, immediately reducing the risk of mastitis.

“We don’t need to wash or draw cows; we just cup them on straight away. A well-limed teat means we also have a hugely reduced prospect of any bacterial transmission crossing over.”

Richard keeps his liming routine simple and effective – filling a container with lime and using a scoop to apply an even layer to each cubicle.

“When you’re dealing with numbers of stock, you want to keep things as straightforward as possible,” he explains in the video.

Alongside this routine, Richard also pays close attention to cubicle design.

“We have a good brisket board on the front, which makes the cow sit back a bit so, generally, the beds never get overly dirty in terms of cowpats – it’s usually just milk stains which get scraped off before fresh lime is applied and that dries up the bed really well.” Richard said.

Bennettsbridge Limestone Cubicle Lime for healthier herds

According to Eoin O’Carroll, “At Bennettsbridge Limestone, we understand how important it is to keep cows clean, dry, and comfortable.

“That’s why our cubicle lime is uniquely formulated using hydrated lime and a superfine limestone powder, produced at our state-of-the-art blending and bagging facility in Bennettsbridge Quarry, Co. Kilkenny.

He explained that the unique formulation of the lime inhibits the growth of bacteria, aids in the prevention of mastitis, and keeps cows comfortable.

The finely ground lime ensures high surface area coverage and maximum absorption, helping to maintain a clean, dry environment for longer.

By raising the pH above 12.5, it successfully deactivates harmful bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, and mastitis-causing bacteria like staphylococcal and streptococcal.

Bennettsbridge Limestone offers a full range of Cubicle Lime Blends:

Superfine Regular Lime
10% Hydrated Lime Blend
30% Hydrated Lime Blend
50% Hydrated Lime Blend

“The stronger the hydrated lime blend, the longer it will sustain pH levels in treated areas for lasting animal protection,” Eoin explained.

High-quality products backed by exceptional customer service

Richard Barron has been using Bennettsbridge Limestone on his farm for some time and has built up a strong relationship with Joey Ryan, his Bennettsbridge Limestone technical sales representative.

Richard appreciates not only the quality of the products but also the personal service he receives.

He said Joey is always helpful, gives great advice, and makes sure Richard has everything he needs – that personal touch, combined with reliable deliveries and high-quality lime, is what really sets Bennettsbridge Limestone apart.

“Deliveries are always prompt – it’s just a matter of texting an order and it’s here within two days – the service is second to none.

“I’m very happy with Bennettsbridge Limestone and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them to another farmer based on how effective I’ve found both their Cubicle Lime and Agri Lime, along with the back-up I get from them,” Richard said

Eoin O’Carroll of Bennettsbridge Limestone said: “We deliver on a nationwide basis to our customers – and there’s no minimum order.

“For example, if a customer makes an order on a Monday, generally, they’ll receive their delivery by Wednesday.

“For anyone interested in purchasing Cubicle Lime from Bennettsbridge Limestone or seeking technical assistance from Joey Ryan, our Technical Sales Rep, please pick up the phone and give us a call in the office.”

For more information, call Bennettsbridge Limestone on 056 7727317.

Click here for more information

Tools

Gardaí seek information after tools stolen from farmyard

Farmers urged to take extra precautions to prevent thefts during busy season