Why Hygiene Matters in Animal Care
Farming success depends on more than feed or fencing. In addition, healthy animals need clean, dry spaces. Unfortunately, wet bedding and poor sanitation increase the risk of disease, hoof rot, and fly infestations.
For this reason, floor hygiene matters. By treating livestock areas with natural lime, farmers take a major step in disease control and animal comfort—without harmful chemicals.
What This Lime Does
This lime isn’t just any white powder. It works fast to dry out bedding and manure, reduce odours, and neutralise harmful pathogens. Farmers use it:
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In cattle pens and sheep enclosures
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Inside chicken coops and pig stalls
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Around carcass disposal sites
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In farm effluent areas and water run-off zones
These uses help limit the spread of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It also acts as a natural insect and vector repellent—keeping flies, maggots, and other pests away.
Main Benefits
✔ Kills harmful pathogens
As a result, it destroys bacteria and viruses that cause common livestock illnesses—including hoof rot and respiratory issues.
✔ Controls moisture
It quickly absorbs wetness from floors and bedding, keeping animal enclosures dry.
✔ Reduces bad smells
It helps neutralise ammonia and manure odours, improving air quality for animals and workers.
✔ Repels insects
The high pH level naturally repels flies and larvae, reducing pest problems.
✔ Assists carcass disposal
Used in proper amounts, this lime helps speed up the breakdown of carcasses and neutralise contaminants in the soil.
✔ Improves hygiene fast
With regular use, it makes cleaning easier, safer, and faster—saving time and effort.
Where and How to Use It
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In barns or pens: Sprinkle a thin layer on wet or dirty areas before placing fresh bedding.
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In poultry houses: Apply between flock rotations or during deep cleans.
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At disposal sites: Cover carcasses with a layer of lime to reduce disease spread and odours.
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On walkways and gates: Treat high-traffic areas to reduce mud and improve sanitation.
Always wear gloves and a mask when handling lime, and keep it dry for best results.
An Interesting Fact
Interestingly, the same high pH that makes this lime an effective disinfectant also helps reduce soil acidity in farming waste zones—ultimately making it a two-in-one solution for both farm health and soil care.
Glossary
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Pathogens: Microorganisms like bacteria or viruses that cause disease.
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Effluent: Wastewater or runoff from animal areas or farms.
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Hoof rot: A painful infection in the hooves of livestock, caused by wet or dirty conditions.
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Vector: An organism (like a fly) that spreads disease.
Want to Learn More?
Check out this helpful guide from Teagasc on To prevent disease entry onto farm.
