<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>cows &#8211; Bennettsbridge Limestone</title>
	<atom:link href="https://bbl.ie/tag/cows/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>https://bbl.ie</link>
	<description>Just another WordPress site</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:44:53 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-US</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.29</generator>
	<item>
		<title>Boost Cow Comfort and Milk Yield with Bennettsbridge Limestone’s Cubicle Lime</title>
		<link>https://bbl.ie/2025/11/07/cow-hygiene-and-comfort-key-to-herd-health-during-winter-housing/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 11:27:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[bbl]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cows]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cubicle lime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dairy farming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[farming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[winter farming]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bbl.ie/?p=1800</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Keeping cows clean, dry and comfortable is essential for animal health, milk quality and farm efficiency. Bennettsbridge Limestone’s Cubicle Lime is designed to do just that – offering farmers a dependable way to improve hygiene, reduce mastitis and enhance cow comfort across every cubicle. A Proven Formula for Cleaner, Healthier Cubicles Bennettsbridge Limestone’s Cubicle Lime [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bbl.ie/2025/11/07/cow-hygiene-and-comfort-key-to-herd-health-during-winter-housing/">Boost Cow Comfort and Milk Yield with Bennettsbridge Limestone’s Cubicle Lime</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bbl.ie">Bennettsbridge Limestone</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Keeping cows clean, dry and comfortable is essential for animal health, milk quality and farm efficiency. Bennettsbridge Limestone’s Cubicle Lime is designed to do just that – offering farmers a dependable way to improve hygiene, reduce mastitis and enhance cow comfort across every cubicle.</p>
<p><strong>A Proven Formula for Cleaner, Healthier Cubicles</strong></p>
<p>Bennettsbridge Limestone’s Cubicle Lime is a unique disinfectant blend made from superfine limestone powder and hydrated lime. The hydrated lime delivers exceptional killing power, effectively destroying harmful bacteria on contact. Combined with the superfine limestone powder, this carefully balanced formula provides all the antibacterial strength of hydrated lime in a mild, super-absorbent blend that helps inhibit bacterial growth and reduce somatic cell counts (SCC) for cleaner, healthier cubicles.</p>
<p>The product is available in four blends, all supplied in convenient one-tonne bags:</p>
<ul>
<li>Superfine Regular Lime</li>
<li>15% Hydrated Blend</li>
<li>30% Hydrated Blend</li>
<li>50% Hydrated Blend</li>
</ul>
<p>The superfine texture ensures high surface coverage and maximum absorption, keeping cows cleaner and drier for longer — and helping maintain teat health for easier milking.</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph"><strong>How It Works</strong></p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">Cubicle Lime raises the pH of treated areas above 12.5, successfully deactivating <em>E.coli</em>, <em>Salmonella </em>and mastitis-causing bacteria such as <em>Staphylococcal</em> and <em>Streptococcal.<br />
</em>“Our Cubicle Lime is formulated using superfine limestone powder and hydrated lime sourced from the makers of White Rhino in Carlow,” explained Eoin O’Carroll of Bennettsbridge Limestone. “The stronger the hydrated lime blend, the longer it sustains high pH levels in treated areas, providing lasting protection for animals.”</p>
<p><strong>Best Practice for Application</strong></p>
<p>For best results:</p>
<ul>
<li>Stir, agitate and aerate the product before use to achieve a light consistency.</li>
<li>Apply 300–500g per cubicle daily (actual usage may vary by farm).</li>
<li>Clean cubicles twice daily and scrape passages regularly to minimise moisture buildup.</li>
<li>Always wear eye protection, gloves and a dust mask during application.</li>
</ul>
<p>Cubicle design also plays a big role in maintaining hygiene. The brisket board should sit on or just above the mat to stop cows lying too far forward — keeping the rear of the cow off the back of the mat and improving overall cleanliness.</p>
<p><strong>On-Farm Success Stories</strong></p>
<p><strong>“Mastitis is down to a minimum” – The Houlihan Farm, Kilkenny</strong></p>
<p>Brian Houlihan, a dairy farmer from Dunmore, Co. Kilkenny, has used Bennettsbridge Limestone’s 30% Hydrated Blend for almost a decade.</p>
<p>“It works really well for our cows; it keeps them comfortable and leaves their teats in great condition,” said Mikey Butler, who works on the Houlihan farm.</p>
<p>“We’ve seen a big reduction in somatic cell count, and cases of mastitis are down to a minimum. Plus, delivery is always prompt – if you order on Monday, the lime is with you by Wednesday, and there’s no minimum order.”<br />
<strong>“A win-win all round” – The Cotter Farm, Cork<br />
</strong>In Castlelyons, Co. Cork, Emma Cotter has been using Cubicle Lime for over 12 years.<br />
“The cubicles are cleaned each morning and evening when the cows are dry and milking,” she explained. “We hand-apply lime to every cubicle, and the cows are noticeably more comfortable afterward. Our automatic scraper runs every two hours to keep passages clean.”</p>
<p>Thanks to consistent use, the Cotters’ SCC has dropped to 84, with fewer mastitis cases and healthier cows overall.</p>
<p>“We first met the BBL team at the National Ploughing Championships,” Emma recalled. “Since then, we’ve had excellent service from Sales Rep Joey Ryan and the entire team. Deliveries are quick – usually within two days – and the drivers are always great to deal with.”</p>
<p><strong>Added Value for Farmers</strong></p>
<p>In addition to on-farm health benefits, farmers can recover up to 50% of the cost of Cubicle Lime as a source of agricultural lime. “Through its high neutralising value, our Cubicle Lime also improves slurry quality and stays in suspension, providing additional benefits to farmland,” added Eoin O’Carroll.</p>
<p><strong>Reliable, Proven, and Delivered Nationwide</strong></p>
<p>From mastitis prevention to improved cow comfort and milk yield, Cubicle Lime from Bennettsbridge Limestone works – and it’s backed by satisfied farmers across Ireland.<br />
Bennettsbridge Limestone provides nationwide delivery, on time, every time.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Picture1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1801" src="https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Picture1.jpg" alt="Picture1" width="1599" height="1199" srcset="https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Picture1-200x150.jpg 200w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Picture1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Picture1-400x300.jpg 400w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Picture1-600x450.jpg 600w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Picture1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Picture1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Picture1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Picture1-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Picture1.jpg 1599w" sizes="(max-width: 1599px) 100vw, 1599px" /></a></strong></p>
<p>For further information, contact us <strong><a href="https://bbl.ie/contact-us/">here.</a> </strong></p>
<p>Follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BennettsbridgeLimestone"><strong>Facebook</strong></a>, <a href="https://x.com/BennettsbrgLime"><strong>X</strong></a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/bennettsbridgelimestone?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA=="><strong>Instagram. </strong></a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bbl.ie/2025/11/07/cow-hygiene-and-comfort-key-to-herd-health-during-winter-housing/">Boost Cow Comfort and Milk Yield with Bennettsbridge Limestone’s Cubicle Lime</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bbl.ie">Bennettsbridge Limestone</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Cow hygiene and comfort key to herd health during winter housing</title>
		<link>https://bbl.ie/2025/10/31/cow-hygiene-comfort-key-herd-health-winter-housing/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:44:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[bbl]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cows]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cubicle lime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dairy farming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[farming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[winter farming]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bbl.ie/?p=1767</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Maintaining excellent cow hygiene and comfort is essential during the winter housing period. As cows rest, their body heat transfers to the cubicle surface, where bacteria can thrive and multiply. Dairy cows are particularly vulnerable to infection during this period, as their teat canals remain open for a few hours each day, unlike those of [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bbl.ie/2025/10/31/cow-hygiene-comfort-key-herd-health-winter-housing/">Cow hygiene and comfort key to herd health during winter housing</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bbl.ie">Bennettsbridge Limestone</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Maintaining excellent cow hygiene and comfort is essential during the winter housing period.</strong></p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">As cows rest, their body heat transfers to the cubicle surface, where bacteria can thrive and multiply. Dairy cows are particularly vulnerable to infection during this period, as their teat canals remain open for a few hours each day, unlike those of dry cows. Cows nearing calving are also at higher risk. To reduce these risks, most farmers rely on cubicle lime to raise the pH of cubicle beds and prevent bacterial growth.</p>
<p><strong>Preventative approach to reducing mastitis</strong></p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">One such farmer is Richard Barron, who milks 240 cows on a 400ac platform in Co. Waterford. Watch the video below to hear Richard explain how Bennettsbridge Limestone’s cubicle lime has played a key role in reducing bacterial build-up, supporting him with the prevention of mastitis.</p>
<div style="width: 1210px; " class="wp-video"><!--[if lt IE 9]><script>document.createElement('video');</script><![endif]-->
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-1767-1" width="1210" height="681" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bennettsbridge_limestone__richard_barron_v1_v1-1080p.mp4?_=1" /><a href="https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bennettsbridge_limestone__richard_barron_v1_v1-1080p.mp4">https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bennettsbridge_limestone__richard_barron_v1_v1-1080p.mp4</a></video></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">Richard explained: “I’ve stayed away from sawdust blends because they just don’t work in my yard. I wanted a product with hydrated lime in it for its killing power.</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">&#8220;To try and avoid any mastitis developing, we lime the cubicles twice a day – morning and evening – to keep the cows’ teats dry and in good order.”</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">Richard uses Bennettsbridge Limestone’s 15% Hydrated Lime Blend, which provides extra protection while maintaining cow comfort.</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">Keeping cubicles, teats, and udders dry is crucial for cow hygiene and preventing bacteria. The Co. Waterford farmer added: “Bennettsbridge Limestone Cubicle Lime soaks up moisture and keeps the bed really dry.</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">&#8220;When the cows come into the parlour, their teats are in good condition and their udders are dry, immediately reducing the risk of mastitis.</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">&#8220;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.”</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">Richard keeps his liming routine simple and effective &#8211; filling a container with lime and using a scoop to apply an even layer to each cubicle.</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">“When you’re dealing with numbers of stock, you want to keep things as straightforward as possible,” he explains in the video.</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph"><a href="https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-1.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1769" src="https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-1.png" alt="Cubicle Lime Website Customers - BBL (1)" width="2048" height="1365" srcset="https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-1-200x133.png 200w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-1-300x200.png 300w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-1-400x267.png 400w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-1-600x400.png 600w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-1-768x512.png 768w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-1-800x533.png 800w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-1-1024x683.png 1024w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-1-1200x800.png 1200w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-1.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></a></p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">Alongside this routine, Richard also pays close attention to cubicle design.</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">“We have a good brisket board on the front, which makes the cow sit back a bit so, generally, the beds never get overly dirty in terms of cowpats – it’s usually just milk stains which get scraped off before fresh lime is applied and that dries up the bed really well.” Richard said.</p>
<p data-component="CoreHeading"><strong>Bennettsbridge Limestone Cubicle Lime for healthier herds</strong></p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">According to Eoin O’Carroll, “At Bennettsbridge Limestone, we understand how important it is to keep cows clean, dry, and comfortable.&#8221;</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">“That’s why our cubicle lime is uniquely formulated using hydrated lime and a superfine limestone powder, produced at our state-of-the-art blending and bagging facility in Bennettsbridge Quarry, Co. Kilkenny.</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">He explained that the unique formulation of the lime inhibits the growth of bacteria, aids in the prevention of mastitis, and keeps cows comfortable. The finely ground lime ensures high surface area coverage and maximum absorption, helping to maintain a clean, dry environment for longer.</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">By raising the pH above 12.5, it successfully deactivates harmful bacteria such as <em>E. coli, salmonella</em>, and mastitis-causing bacteria like <em>staphylococcal</em> and <em>streptococcal</em>.</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">Bennettsbridge Limestone offers a full range of <strong><a href="https://bbl.ie/agriculture/cubicle-lime-dairy-bedding-application/">Cubicle Lime</a> </strong>Blends:</p>
<div data-v-d5d6fb54="" data-component="WPBlockContent">
<ul>
<li>Superfine Regular Lime</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>10% Hydrated Lime Blend</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>30% Hydrated Lime Blend</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>50% Hydrated Lime Blend</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">“The stronger the hydrated lime blend, the longer it will sustain pH levels in treated areas for lasting animal protection,” Eoin explained.</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph"><a href="https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1770" src="https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL.png" alt="Cubicle Lime Website Customers - BBL" width="2048" height="1365" srcset="https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-200x133.png 200w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-300x200.png 300w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-400x267.png 400w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-600x400.png 600w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-768x512.png 768w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-800x533.png 800w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-1024x683.png 1024w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL-1200x800.png 1200w, https://bbl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cubicle-Lime-Website-Customers-BBL.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></a></p>
<p data-component="CoreHeading"><strong>High-quality products backed by exceptional customer service</strong></p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">Richard Barron has been using Bennettsbridge Limestone on his farm for some time and has built up a strong relationship with Joey Ryan, his Bennettsbridge Limestone technical sales representative. Richard appreciates not only the quality of the products but also the personal service he receives. He said Joey is always helpful, gives great advice, and makes sure Richard has everything he needs &#8211; that personal touch, combined with reliable deliveries and high-quality lime, is what really sets Bennettsbridge Limestone apart.</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">“Deliveries are always prompt &#8211; it’s just a matter of texting an order and it’s here within two days &#8211; the service is second to none.&#8221;</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">&#8220;I’m very happy with Bennettsbridge Limestone and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them to another farmer based on how effective I’ve found both their Cubicle Lime and Agri Lime, along with the back-up I get from them,&#8221; Richard said</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">Eoin O’Carroll of Bennettsbridge Limestone said: “We deliver on a nationwide basis to our customers – and there’s no minimum order.</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">“For example, if a customer makes an order on a Monday, generally, they’ll receive their delivery by Wednesday.</p>
<p class="" data-v-4e9e6c5d="" data-component="CoreParagraph">&#8220;For anyone interested in purchasing Cubicle Lime from Bennettsbridge Limestone or seeking technical assistance from Joey Ryan, our Technical Sales Rep, please pick up the phone and give us a call in the office.”</p>
<p><strong>For further information, </strong><strong>contact us <a href="https://bbl.ie/contact-us/">here.</a> </strong></p>
<p>Follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BennettsbridgeLimestone"><strong>Facebook</strong></a>, <a href="https://x.com/BennettsbrgLime"><strong>X</strong></a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/bennettsbridgelimestone?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA=="><strong>Instagram. </strong></a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bbl.ie/2025/10/31/cow-hygiene-comfort-key-herd-health-winter-housing/">Cow hygiene and comfort key to herd health during winter housing</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bbl.ie">Bennettsbridge Limestone</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
