Miscanthus bedding 20kg bale

Miscanthus Bedding: The Future-Oriented Choice for Your Horse

Miscanthus, also known as Chinese silvergrass, is increasingly establishing itself as an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional bedding types in horse keeping. This bedding, derived from a fast-growing plant, offers a variety of advantages that meet both the well-being of the horse and the demands for efficient and environmentally friendly stable management.

What Makes Miscanthus Bedding So Special?

The convincing properties of Miscanthus bedding lie in its unique composition and structure:

• Excellent Absorbency: Miscanthus bedding is characterized by exceptionally high absorbency. It can absorb many times its own weight in moisture and effectively binds ammonia. This leads to a significantly drier stall climate, reduces unpleasant odors, and minimizes the risk of respiratory diseases as well as hoof problems, which are exacerbated by moisture.
• Low Dust Content: Compared to straw or wood shavings, Miscanthus bedding is naturally very low in dust. This property is particularly advantageous for horses with respiratory sensitivities, allergies, or chronic cough. A dust-reduced environment promotes lung health for both horse and human in the stable.
• Soft and Joint-Friendly: The fine, slightly springy structure of Miscanthus stalks provides a soft and comfortable lying surface. This is especially beneficial for older horses, horses with joint problems, or after surgeries, as it reduces pressure on joints and hooves and allows for more restful sleep.
• Economical: Despite the higher initial purchase price compared to straw, Miscanthus bedding is often more cost-efficient in the long run due to its high absorbency and yield. Less material is needed for initial bedding, and top-ups are less frequent, which reduces consumption and thus costs. Additionally, less manure volume is produced, which can save on disposal costs.
• pH Neutrality: Miscanthus bedding is pH-neutral. This property is not only beneficial for the horse's hoof health, as it reduces the risk of acidification of the hoof environment, but is also crucial for its easy compostability.

pH-Neutral and Easily Compostable – A Win for the Environment

The pH neutrality of Miscanthus bedding is an ecological advantage. Since it leaves no acidic or alkaline residues, it is excellently compostable. This means that the manure quickly decomposes into valuable humus that can be used as a natural fertilizer in horticulture or agriculture. This significantly contributes to reducing manure volume and makes disposal uncomplicated and sustainable, thereby conserving resources and improving the ecological footprint of horse keeping.

How Much and How Often Should You Bed?

The exact amount and frequency of bedding depend on individual factors, such as the size of the stall, the cleanliness of the horse, and the desired comfort level. Here are guidelines that can help you:

• Initial Bedding: For a standard stall (approx. 3x3 meters), it is recommended to initially use about 2 to 3 bales of Miscanthus bedding. The goal is a bedding depth of about 10 to 15 cm to ensure sufficient cushioning and absorbency. Distribute the material evenly in the stall.
• Daily Care: Daily remove horse droppings and wet spots. Thanks to the clumping properties of Miscanthus bedding, this is particularly easy and efficient. Fluff up the remaining bedding to aerate it and maintain its absorbency.
• Regular Top-Up: Depending on the degree of soiling and moisture absorption, sprinkle a thin layer (approx. 0.5 to 1 cm) of Miscanthus bedding every 1 to 3 days. This helps to maintain the dryness and freshness of the stall. For horses that urinate a lot, or during wetter months, more frequent top-ups may be advisable.
• Complete Change: A complete change of Miscanthus bedding is generally less often necessary than with straw or other bedding types. Depending on the horse's management and cleanliness, a complete change every 6 to 12 weeks may be sufficient. The low amount of manure produced also significantly facilitates this process.

In summary, Miscanthus bedding represents a well-thought-out and future-oriented choice for modern horse keeping. It offers an optimal combination of hygiene, comfort, and environmental friendliness. If you are looking for high-quality, sustainable, and easy-to-maintain bedding, Miscanthus is an excellent option for your horse and your stable.