Wood Based Bedding Material in Animal Production: A Minireview

Abstract

Bedding material is an important constituent of the animal production system. It is a key factor not only in the wellness and comfort but also for biosecurity measures applied for disease control and prevention programs. Animal production industry uses many types of bedding materials including, wood shavings, grass straws, paper, corn cobs, and rice husk, depending on the availability, price, hygroscopicity, animal comfort and environmental concerns. This review discusses the opportunities of using wood by-products like wood shavings, sawdust and chips in animal production, and their effect on health and welfare of animals and also on environment. Additionally, the microbial perspective of wood based beddings has been highlighted because generally it is considered as unhygienic material, however recent researches has shown the antimicrobial effects of this material, which can be utilized in production systems to counter the disease and lower the biological risk to health of animals, workers and environment.

A Decision Tool for the Valorization of Wood Waste

“…Grade A untreated wood waste finds application in various practices, including animal bedding, horticultural mulch, and pellet production. According to [32], materials like wood chips, wood shavings, and sawdust are excellent choices for animal bedding due to the antimicrobial properties conferred by wood extractives and the complex physical structure of wood. These extractives encompass aromatic phenolic compounds, aliphatic compounds (fats and waxes), terpenes, and terpenoids.…”

“…These extractives encompass aromatic phenolic compounds, aliphatic compounds (fats and waxes), terpenes, and terpenoids. For instance, phenolic compounds directly affect fungal and bacterial physiology [32], [33]. The porous structure of wood absorbs microbes, inhibiting their activity, while its hygroscopic nature facilitates water absorption, leaving microbes dry and unable to thrive [34].…”

The Evaluation of the Fire Safety of the Digestate as An Alternative Bedding Material

“…The animal production industry uses many types of bedding materials, such as wood shavings, grass straws, paper, corn cobs, and rice husks. The choice of bedding material depends on the availability, price, hygroscopicity, animal comfort, and environmental problems [1].…”