Barn lime is a common agricultural product utilized in animal husbandry to improve the living environment for livestock and poultry. Its primary function is to manage conditions within stalls, coops, and pens that can quickly become unsanitary or produce unpleasant odors. When properly applied, this material helps maintain a cleaner, drier space, supporting the overall welfare and comfort of the animals. Understanding the correct type of lime and its application method is important for maximizing its benefits.
Identifying the Necessary Type of Lime
The term “barn lime” generally refers to agricultural lime, which is a finely ground limestone composed of calcium carbonate. This form is non-caustic, meaning it is not corrosive and is safe for direct contact with animal skin, hooves, and respiratory systems when used as directed. It may also be sold as ag lime, garden lime, or dairy lime, but the active component is calcium carbonate. When purchasing, always check the label to confirm the product is ground limestone intended for animal bedding or agricultural soil amendment.
It is necessary to distinguish this product from hydrated lime, also known as caustic lime or builder’s lime, which is chemically calcium hydroxide. Hydrated lime is highly alkaline and becomes corrosive when it interacts with moisture, posing a serious health hazard to animals. Exposure can cause burns on hooves and skin, irritation to the eyes, and damage to the lungs if inhaled. Using the wrong product negatively impacts animal health and must be avoided entirely in environments where animals are present.
Primary Purposes for Application
The primary function of barn lime is moisture control, acting as a desiccant that absorbs excess liquids from urine and spilled water in the bedding. By reducing dampness, the lime helps suppress the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens that thrive in wet conditions. This drying action contributes to the longevity of bedding materials, reducing the frequency with which they need to be replaced. A drier environment is more comfortable for the animals and reduces the risk of hoof problems like thrush.
Barn lime also aids in odor neutralization, particularly by addressing the formation of ammonia gas. Animal waste contains urea, which bacteria convert into ammonia gas. This gas is irritating to the respiratory tract and can accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces. Barn lime’s alkaline nature helps raise the pH of the bedding environment, inhibiting the bacterial activity responsible for this conversion. By raising the pH, the formation of the ammonia compound is slowed, creating a more pleasant air quality.
Step-by-Step Application Techniques
Preparing the stall or pen is the first step, which involves removing all soiled and saturated bedding and manure. This ensures the barn lime is applied directly to the damp floor surface, where it is most effective at absorbing residual moisture and neutralizing acidic spots. If the surface is dirt or clay, remove the wet material down to the dryer layer underneath. For concrete or rubber mats, scrape the surface clean and allow it to air-dry briefly.
Application should focus on the areas that receive the most moisture, typically where animals urinate. For broad coverage, barn lime can be applied using a simple shovel, a rake, or a rotary broadcast spreader for an even, thin layer. The goal is to lightly dust the area, avoiding excessive buildup that could create a slippery surface when wet. Apply enough to lightly cover the surface, avoiding the creation of a thick, deep layer.
When spreading the powder, wear personal protective equipment, including a dust mask and eye protection, to avoid inhaling the fine particles. Even non-caustic agricultural lime can cause respiratory irritation if a large amount of dust is generated. After applying the lime, cover the treated area with a fresh layer of clean bedding material, such as straw or shavings. This ensures animals are not standing directly on the lime powder and prevents the product from being easily dispersed.
Reapplication frequency depends on the animal load and the rate of moisture accumulation, but a common practice is to reapply weekly when stripping the stall. Daily spot cleaning involves removing wet bedding and then sprinkling a small amount of lime only on the highly saturated spots before adding fresh bedding. Maintaining a consistent routine of cleaning, liming, and bedding helps keep moisture and odor levels consistently low.