The use of barn lime in animal stalls primarily addresses moisture control and the neutralization of ammonia odors that arise from animal waste. By creating a drier, more alkaline environment, lime helps improve hygiene and air quality within the enclosure. Determining the correct amount depends entirely on the specific chemical composition of the product being applied. The quantity needed for effective stall management reflects the lime type’s strength and safety profile.
Differentiating Common “Barn Lime” Products
The term “barn lime” is often used loosely, but it generally refers to one of two distinct products with different chemical makeups and properties. Agricultural Lime, or Ag Lime, is composed mainly of calcium carbonate, which is finely ground limestone. This material is non-caustic and is considered safe for animals when used under bedding, working slowly to neutralize acidic conditions and absorb moisture.
Hydrated Lime, in contrast, is calcium hydroxide, a product created by treating calcium oxide with water. This substance is significantly more alkaline, or caustic, meaning it is much more effective for rapid drying and disinfection. However, hydrated lime can be hazardous, posing a risk of chemical burns to skin, eyes, and hooves, and causing respiratory irritation if inhaled by humans or animals. Understanding which product you possess is paramount before calculating application rates.
Calculating Application Rates for Stall Bedding
The application rate must be carefully adjusted based on the specific type of lime and the desired effect, such as initial setup or daily maintenance. Since Agricultural Lime is mild, it is applied more liberally for overall stall conditioning. For a standard 12-foot by 12-foot stall, an initial application of a light, uniform layer across the entire stripped floor typically uses approximately 5 to 10 pounds of product.
This translates to roughly one-third to one-half of a 50-pound bag for a single stall floor, before any bedding is added. For daily maintenance, where spot treatment is necessary after removing wet bedding, a handful or 1 to 2 cups of agricultural lime can be sprinkled directly onto the damp area.
Hydrated Lime requires a much lower application rate due to its highly caustic nature. It should be used sparingly and only on the bare stall floor after all bedding has been removed, never mixed directly into the bulk bedding where an animal might contact it. A very light dusting is sufficient, estimated at 1 to 3 pounds for a 12×12 stall, targeting the area where urine has soaked into the floor material. The goal is to quickly dry and sanitize the area before covering it completely with fresh bedding, ensuring the animal never stands directly on the caustic material.
Safety Protocols and Reapplication Schedule
Handling any powdered lime product requires awareness of safety protocols, especially when using the caustic Hydrated Lime. When applying hydrated lime, it is necessary to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety goggles or a face shield, gloves, and a dust mask or respirator to prevent inhalation.
Animals must be removed from the stall entirely during the application process to prevent them from inhaling the fine particles or making direct contact with the product before it is fully covered by bedding. Even with the safer Agricultural Lime, using a dust mask is advisable, and applying the product when the stall is empty reduces the risk of respiratory irritation for the animals.
The reapplication schedule depends on the type of lime used and the stall’s usage intensity. Agricultural Lime is typically incorporated into a weekly deep-cleaning routine, where it is reapplied to the entire floor after stripping and before adding fresh bedding. This maintains a consistent base level of moisture absorption and odor control. Hydrated Lime, being a stronger disinfectant, is reserved for infrequent use, such as a full stall cleaning or when an especially damp spot needs quick and powerful drying. Daily maintenance is best accomplished by using a small amount of the non-caustic Agricultural Lime or an alternative absorbent product for wet spot treatment.