- Create a regular cleaning schedule and stick to it.
- Use a suitable, absorbent and sufficient bedding for you.
- Remove manure immediately.
- Ensure proper ventilation in the stable.
- Inspect the stable regularly for mold, pests, and other problems.
Stable Hygiene Management: Best Cleaning and Maintenance Practices
Keeping your stable clean and well-maintained is crucial for the well-being of your horses. Managing stable hygiene is essential to preventing the spread of disease, maintaining a safe environment, and promoting the well-being of your horses. This blog article will review best practices for stable cleaning and maintenance, including moisture management, bedding, and common mistakes to avoid.
Cleanliness is directly related to the well-being of horses. Poor stable hygiene can lead to the spread of infections and diseases, which can cause serious illnesses. A clean stable is essential for maintaining the health of horses. It also helps prevent respiratory problems caused by dust and mold, which can lead to chronic coughing and other respiratory problems. When a horse is at rest, approximately 80,000 liters of air pass through its lungs every day.
Best practices for cleaning a stable
To achieve meticulous cleanliness, it is important that the stable has a regular cleaning schedule. In addition to daily cleaning of the pens and social areas, it is a good idea to have a thorough cleaning of the stable once or twice a year. Walls, floors and other surfaces can be washed with a brush and hose or a pressure washer. Use a mild detergent or disinfectant to clean the surfaces thoroughly. The surfaces are rinsed with water and allowed to dry before adding new bedding and returning the horses to the stable. The recommended temperature for the stable is +6 - + 10 degrees , and even in severe frosts at least +2. Regarding humidity, the recommended maximum humidity percentage is 60-65%.
Humidity is a significant factor in managing stable hygiene. Excessive humidity can cause mold growth, which can lead to respiratory problems in horses. To control humidity, ensure that the stable is properly ventilated. This can be done with vents or separate air conditioning to improve airflow. Also, remove any sources of humidity, such as wet bedding or leaking pipes, as soon as possible. It is a good idea to assess the functionality of the stable's ventilation in the morning after a night's sleep, when the horses have been inside for a longer period of time. The function of ventilation is to remove heat, humidity and harmful gases from the stable. These include, for example, excessive carbon dioxide and ammonia.
Bedding is an essential part of stable hygiene management. It helps absorb moisture from horse droppings and control odors. However, it is crucial to choose the right type of bedding. For example, peat is suitable for a horse that makes a lot of mess in its stall. Peat is also the best option for your wallet, as it effectively binds ammonia and, thanks to its low pH value, does not spread bacteria. This also means less waste bedding is created.
Other good options for a wet pen are straw pellets and hemp bedding. Hemp is a real super product, as its absorbency is up to 400–500%. Hemp bedding is also recommended to be used in the form of a mattress, so it is sufficient and remains a warm and dry surface for a long time.
Most common mistakes and tips
One of the most common mistakes in stable hygiene management is not cleaning the stable regularly enough. Another is using the wrong type of bedding. As mentioned earlier, choosing the right type of bedding is important for moisture management and odor control.
Maintaining stable hygiene requires consistent work and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help keep your stable clean: