SOP Treatment of Separated Manure Solids to Reduce Klebsiella Bacteria Counts
Sharkey H.L., Zanierato A., Luparia P., Poggianella M., Moroni P., Schukken Y.H., National Mastitis Council (NMC) 50th Annual Meeting, Arlington (VA, USA), 2011 Peer-reviewed conference contribution (Scientific Committee)
Study with Cornell University on separated manure solids (recycled manure solids) with repeated sampling of treated vs. control piles: average >90% reduction in Klebsiella counts, with peaks up to 99.9% on day 2 in the treated pile compared to control, using SOP treatment (SQC 233 formula).
Summary: The study was conducted on two piles of separated solids (~3 m³ each), one treated and one maintained as control, with repeated sampling at multiple depths. In the treated pile, a marked reduction in Klebsiella counts was observed: >90% on average, with peaks up to 99.9% on day 2 compared to the control pile (P < 0.01 as reported in the contribution).
The use of separated manure solids as bedding material (separated/recycled manure solids) can provide management and circular economy benefits but requires strict microbial control to limit environmental microbial pressure associated with barn hygiene and health issues. Klebsiella is considered a relevant indicator of environmental risk related to bedding and housing surfaces.
In this context, the contribution presented at the National Mastitis Council (NMC) 50th Annual Meeting—a conference with peer review and selection by the scientific committee—reports a study conducted with the Cornell University team (Prof. Ynte H. Schukken) to evaluate the effectiveness of the SQC 233 formula (contained in SOP products such as SOP EASYCOW, SOP STAR COW, SOP GOLD PRO COW) in supporting the hygienization of separated solids used as bedding.
The experimental setup included two separated solids piles of approximately 3 m³ each: one treated and one control. Daily sampling was performed during the initial phase (days 0–3) and an additional point on day 7, with samples taken at multiple depths (20–30 cm, 40–60 cm, 60–100 cm) to assess microbial load dynamics over time.
Results: SOP treatment led to a significant reduction in Klebsiella counts in the treated pile compared to the control, with an average reduction >90% and peaks up to 99.9% on day 2 (P < 0.01 as reported in the contribution). Overall, the study highlights the relevance of an operational approach to bio-hygienization of bedding matrices based on separated solids, supporting barn hygiene management needs.
Summary
Type of evidence:
Peer-reviewed conference contribution (Scientific Committee) — National Mastitis Council (NMC) 50th Annual Meeting
Institutions involved:
Cornell University (scientific coordination as reported in the contribution)
Sector:
Dairy cattle — bedding/environmental hygiene (recycled manure solids)
Experimental design:
Comparison of treated vs. control pile; repeated sampling at multiple depths
Sample/setting:
Two piles of separated solids (~3 m³ each)
Duration:
Sampling on days 0–3 and day 7
Primary outcomes:
Klebsiella bacterial count (microbiological indicator)
Main results:
Note of context:
Controlling the microbial load in separated solids used as bedding is an operational control point for environmental hygiene on the farm.
Methodological and compliance note
The reported results derive from a peer-reviewed conference contribution and describe experimental evidence obtained under controlled test conditions on bedding matrices. The findings should be interpreted in the context of the study design and conditions reported in the contribution and do not replace herd health or management evaluations on the farm. The SOP products mentioned are not veterinary medicinal products and are not intended for the treatment, prevention, or cure of diseases. Health management decisions remain the responsibility of the attending veterinarian, in compliance with regulations and good farming practices.
