A revolutionary dairy cow bedding sand separation system offering multiple economic and environmental benefits to progressive milk producers will be demonstrated at a farm insight day in Somerset on September 18.

The event is being organised by Dutch company Mavasol, worldwide distributor for DariTech equipment, which has recently installed the UK’s first two DariTech One Shot SRS units near Taunton and is launching the technology nationwide.

Now in use on over 70 large-scale herds across the world, systems are custom-built to integrate with existing farm facilities and infrastructure. The unique design of an internally flighted auger system is proven in its ability to effectively separate sand from slurry, with the capability of 95% clean sand recovery. The system is also designed to allow maximum re-use of water, in some circumstances operating with zero requirement for fresh water; it also provides a range of options regarding the remaining fibre component.

Klaas de Vries of Mavasol said: “Sand bedding offers many advantages to progressive milk producers, in terms of udder health and more general cow welfare.

“In a system where the bedding and water are almost entirely recyclable, sand also has the potential to be the most economic and environmentally sustainable option.

“With the opportunity to recycle over 90% of the sand, we calculate the savings possible in bedding costs will allow a herd of 250 cows to see a return on investment in between two and four years – but that takes no account of any of the potential benefits in udder health, lameness or fertility.

“The One Shot SRS system is not only relevant for those who want to re-use sand for bedding but is also a viable option where the aim is to separate water, for flushing down for example, or extract solids as an easily manageable manure. It is a very versatile system that can meet a wide range of UK dairy farmer requirements.”

Anyone interested in attending the Sand Recovery System Insight Day near Taunton in Somerset on September 18 can sign in at mavasol.com.