BIFF February Update

The trial aimed to investigate the effects of woodchip (versus straw) on live weight gain, feed usage, health, cleanliness, and bedding costs. The report stated no significant differences between straw and woodchips except with regards to costs. According to the report the costs of woodchip exceeded straw by £0.23 per lamb.

Cost Savings

However Alastair does not need to buy in woodchip as he has his own woodlands and has been using thinnings from these for bedding. By hiring in a chipper he has reduced his costs for bedding considerably; he has actually saved £0.33 per lamb by using woodchips instead of buying in straw.

Therefore the costs associated with woodchips depends on the source of the material.

Using woodchips (pictured right) also reduces labour time; where straw needs to be cleaned out and replaced regularly, the woodchips only require topping up once every two weeks and are cleaned out at the end of the season.

Alastair and Jimmy have also found that the cleanliness of the lambs is better, which makes them easier to clip.

Welsh Trials

Trials on the use of woodchips for sheep have also been taking place in Wales. The Pontbren Farmers’ Group has been using woodchips for over five years and recommends the use of a 3cm chip (postage stamp size - see top picture), initially spread to a depth of 10cm to be topped with an extra 5cm every 7 to 10 days. The Pontbren Farmers’ Group currently sieves the woodchips to reuse the larger particles, and then compost the remaining material.

Some farmers use the composted woodchips for growing mushrooms or tree seedlings. Further research is currently being undertaken into the use of woodchips following composting.

If you are interested in using woodchips for lamb bedding or would like more information please contact Chris Stark, BIFF Project Officer, on 01738 602043 or email chris.stark@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.