KILL BACTERIA. CONTROL MASTITIS. PROTECT MILK YIELD.
Our Cubicle Lime is a unique disinfectant style product that we have formulated using a blend of superfine limestone powder and hydrated lime. The product combines all the antibacterial benefits of hydrated lime in a mild, super-absorbent blend which will inhibit the growth of bacteria, aid in the prevention of mastitis and provide ultimate cow comfort.
Hear How Dairy Farmers Across Ireland Benefit From Cubicle Lime
WHY USE BENNETTSBRIDGE LIMESTONE CUBICLE LIME?
Aids Mastitis Prevention
Over time, faeces and urine can collect on cubicle beds, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. When cows lie down, their teats can come into contact with these contaminants, increasing the risk of mastitis. Our Cubicle Lime successfully deactivates E.coli, Salmonella and mastitis causing bacteria such as Staphylococcal and Streptococcal by raising the pH above 12.5 (until deactivated).
Protects in Critical Hygiene Periods
Hygiene is especially important during the dry period, when the teat canal is closing and forming a protective keratin plug, and in the final weeks before calving, when the canal can reopen as cows begin to bag up. Keeping cubicle surfaces consistently clean and thoroughly disinfected with lime during these critical times helps prevent harmful bacteria from entering the udder and causing new infections.
Improves cow hygiene & comfort
Here at Bennettsbridge Limestone, our Cubicle Lime is finely ground to provide high surface area coverage and maximum absorption, helping keep cows clean, dry, and comfortable for longer periods. Our Cubicle Lime supports teat health, reducing the risk of irritation or infection, which makes milking easier and more efficient while contributing to overall cow wellbeing and a healthier housing environment.
The Power of Hydrated Lime
Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, and the heat from cows encourages rapid growth. Hydrated lime is the most effective disinfectant for cubicles, known for its strong killing power against harmful bacteria and pathogen by creating an environment too alkaline for survival. Its high pH offers long-lasting protection, helping maintain a cleaner, healthier housing environment and supporting overall cow wellbeing.
CHOOSE FROM OUR FULL RANGE OF CUBICLE LIME BLENDS
AVAILABLE IN ONE TONNE BAG
NATIONWIDE DELIVERY AVAILABLE
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY…
“Bennettsbridge Limestone Cubicle Lime soaks up moisture and keeps the bed really dry. When the cows come into the parlour, their teats are in good condition and their udders are dry, immediately reducing the risk of mastitis. We don’t need to wash or draw cows; we just cup them on straight away. A well-limed teat means we also have a hugely reduced prospect of any bacterial transmission crossing over.”
Richard Barron, Dairy Farmer, Co. Waterford
“Since using Bennettsbridge Limestone Cubicle Lime, we’ve seen a big reduction in our somatic cell count — now running at around 100,000. Mastitis cases are minimal, and the cows are very comfortable. We’ve been using the cubicle lime for the past 8–10 years, and the fact there’s no minimum order is a real bonus.”
Mikey Butler, Dairy Farmer, Co. Kilkenny
“We’ve been using Bennettsbridge Limestone’s Cubicle Lime for over 10 years. In that time, we’ve seen fewer cases of mastitis and a big improvement in cow comfort on the mats. Our somatic cell count has also improved significantly — we’re now running at just 84,000 cells/ml of milk.”
Emma Cotter, Dairy and Beef Farmer, Co. Cork
“Since switching to Bennettsbridge Limestone’s cubicle lime 6 years ago, we have seen some fantastic on farm results. The cubicle shed is a lot cleaner now and the cows are in better condition and much easier to milk. The product has allowed us to reduce our somatic cell count from 250 to 120 and we have seen a significant drop in cases of mastitis.”
Andrew Leeson, Dairy Farmer, Co. Kilkenny
CUBICLE LIME – YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
- The self-weight of lime causes it to compact over time. This product should be applied in a light and aerated state. To make the lime light before use – stir, agitate and aerate the amount of lime needed before use.
- Cubicle beds should be cleaned and limed twice a day and passages should be scraped at least four times a day or as often as necessary to keep clean.
- Directly apply cubicle lime as needed onto clean cubicles.
- Wear protective gloves / eye protection / dust mask.
- As a general guide, apply 300g – 500g per cubicle per day.
- In practice, usage rates vary widely across dairy farms.
- Keeping moisture off the cubicle mat is critical, so cubicle design and passage scraping impact how much lime you need to use.
- Our Hydrated lime blends are a combination of hydrated lime (pH of 12.4) and powdered limestone (pH 8.4).
- The stronger the hydrated lime blend, the longer it will sustain pH levels of treated areas for lasting animal protection. Keeping moisture off the cubicle mat is critical, therefore cubicle design and passage scraping will play a big role.
- Factors to consider are, how often you lime the cubicles, how much cubicle lime you apply each time, how well designed your cubicles are to keep faeces off etc.
- Manual handling can also influence your decision. Hydrated lime is lighter than powdered limestone so it takes less effort to apply the stronger blends, if using a bucket and scoop.
- Cows teats can be sensitive to the hydrated lime so a cautious approach to introducing the stronger hydrated lime blends is recommended.
- Hydrated lime blends are not suitable as animal feed.
- Our regular cubicle lime does not contain hydrated lime, is certified for animal feed and may be incorporated into cows diet. Consult your animal nutritionist for dosage advise.
- Wear a pair of safety goggles and a face mask when spreading it to avoid lime getting into your eyes and inhaling it.
- Milking gloves will protect your hands and help avoid the lime coming into contact with your skin.
- Use a scoop or a handheld sieve to lime the cubicles.
- The design of the cubicle can also make a big difference when it comes to hygiene. The brisket board should be on, or just above the mat to stop the cow from lying too far up the cubicle and to keep her rear end just off the back of the mat.
- Due to how finely ground it is, 1 ton of cubicle lime is equivalent to 2 ton of quarry agri lime, meaning for every bag of cubicle lime you use you recover c. €50 as agri lime through your slurry.
- Unlike many limestone products, our cubicle lime has no sediment build up in tanks.
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