Resources

Hydrated lime has a history of use in calf hutches, free stalls and livestock housing to help manage bedding conditions. Often applied prior to fresh bedding, lime is known for its drying properties and ability to raise pH to create conditions less favorable for bacterial growth. However, there’s a fresh and safer way to manage bedding pH.

Most environmental pathogens thrive in neutral to alkaline conditions. As pH decreases or increases substantially, the ability of many pathogens to grow and reproduce declines significantly.

Sodium bisulfate (SBS – marketed as SurpHace™) is a dry mineral acid that works from the opposite end of the pH scale as lime. Instead of raising pH, SBS lowers pH to create conditions that are unfavorable for many pathogenic bacteria.

The major difference between hydrated lime and sodium bisulfate is their impact on ammonia. As manure and urine break down, nitrogen exists in equilibrium between ammonium (NH4+) in the bedding and ammonia gas (NH3) volatilized into the air. The pH of the environment determines which form it takes. Ammonia management can have a significant impact on the health and welfare of animals and workers.

Low pH:

• Nitrogen remains in bedding
• Less ammonia released into the air

High pH:

• More ammonia released into the air
• Increased odor and respiratory challenge

While both SBS and lime can help manage environmental pathogens, only sodium bisulfate simultaneously suppresses ammonia and can be applied safely around animals. This gives producers greater flexibility to address environmental challenges as they occur rather than waiting until the next bedding cycle.