benefits of bedding reuse for the equine industry

Waste to WorthBenefits of Composted Bedding for

Re-Use in the Equine Industry

Green Mountain Technologies, Inc.

Benefits of Bedding Re-Use in the Equine Industry

FinancialOperational Health

Green Mountain Technologies, Inc

Mollie BogardusBarn Owner/Manager for 30 YearsMBA Sustainable Business

Michael Bryan BrownFounder and PresidentGreen Mountain Technologies, Inc.20 Years in Composting Industry

Washington State UniversityDairy Bedding Recycling

IOS RanchBainbridge Island, WA

Joint Base Myers/HendersonArlington, Virginia


Cons of Bin System• 90-180 days• Labor to turn piles• Temperature issues on edges• Odor

Pros of Bin System• Affordable

Pros of In Vessel System• 10-20 days• Automated Auger• Uniform Temperature• Odor Control

Cons of In Vessel System• Purchase Cost• Maintenance Cost

Green Mountain Technologies,Inc


Methods of Composting Bedding

Centralized OperationAerated Static Pile (ASP)


In-Vessel Composters

Earth Flow 30 at CSU Drum Composting Systems

Mechanisms for Pathogen Reduction

• Heat Inactivation• Microbial Competition• pH Changes• Desiccation• UV Exposure



Operational Benefits

• Reduce Parasites• Reduce Flies• Reduce Dust• Reduce Odor• Low Labor input• Small footprint


Financial Benefits

Reduce Shavings Bill by 40%


Savings on Health Care

• Foot health – thrush• Leg Health – scratches• Skin Health –

dermatitis, hives• Respiratory Health –

heaves, allergies


The Probiotic Effect

“The compost has been through a very hot phase to kill all pathogens and parasites. It now has a thriving microbial population to compete aggressively with the fungal and bacterial pathogens responsible for infections and irritations on skin and hooves.”

Caitlin Price Youngquist, Snohomish Extension Service


Clinical Observations

• Attributed general foot and leg health to composted bedding• Documented relief for horses with chronic

hives and respiratory difficulties

Dr. Hannah Mueller, Cedarbrook Veterinary Clinic and Northwest Equine Stewardship Center


Absorption Capabilities

New Shavings

50/50 Mixture

Composted

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Total Change in Weight LbsWeight Lbs Material WetWeight Lbs Material Dry


Stall bedded with Pellets


50/50 Mix of Compost and New Shavings


Composted Bedding Re-Use

Today• Take what is known in the

dairy industry • Prove with science what

benefits it brings to the equine industry

• Financial savings

Future

• Encourage further study• Caitlin Price Youngquist

(WSU)• Prove with science behind it

what benefits it brings to the equine industry


Mollie Bogardus, Equine Specialist, Green Mountain Technologies, Inc.

Michael Bryan Brown, President, Green Mountain Technologies, Inc.

benefits of bedding reuse for the equine industry

Education

green mountaintechnologies

benefits of bedding

respiratory health heaves

equine specialist

operational benefits

cons of bin system pros

days labor

vessel compostersearth