Decisions about manure systems are among the most complex decisions on the dairy farm. Selecting components is complicated enough. But greater complexity arises because of the interactions between the manure system and other aspects of the buildings and equipment on the farm. Decisions about the manure system relate to the requirements of a well-thought-out management program and a clear description of the environment to be provided for every animal.

Choosing the freestall base and bedding should be a decision based on understanding the available choices, examining the consequences of each choice and arriving a compromise. Choice of freestall bedding has a profound impact on manure system design. At the same time, choice of bedding must reflect management style and goals, especially with respect to level of milk production and somatic cell count.

Two methods for satisfying the requirements for freestall beds that promote cow comfort and good udder health are: i) 6-8 inches of loose sand and ii) rubber-filled mattresses with organic bedding on top. Sand appears to have the advantage. In fact, the only logical reasons for not using sand have little to do with cow comfort and udder health, but with the difficulty it adds to the manure system or the lack of high quality sand. This may lead to a decision: i) to use sand despite the difficulties, ii) to use sand, but seek ways to reduce its impact on the manure system, or iii) to use mattresses and organic bedding and avoid the problems with sand altogether.

The compromise is about cow comfort and udder health vs. manure handling and storage. Ideally, decisions about facilities are preceded by a conscious determination of management practices that influence the final facility choice. Decisions about facilities—and manure management—must be made with a full awareness of the consequences involved in order to avoid surprises later on.