GL 110 Guidelines for Managing Compost Bedded-Pack Barns

This guideline is designed to provide general information about proper construction and management of compost bedded-pack dairy barns in the United States. The compost bedded pack barn consists of a large, open resting area, usually bedded with sawdust or dry, fine wood shavings that are composted in place, along with manure, when mechanically stirred on a regular basis. Facility design, ventilation, timely addition of fresh, dry bedding, frequent and deep stirring, and avoidance of overcrowding are the keys to a good working compost bedded-pack barn.