Introduction

I used to dread the chore of mucking out the animal stalls on our homestead. The smell, the mess, the constant need to haul in additional bedding materials - it was a never-ending cycle. 

But then I discovered the magic of biochar. Yes, you heard me right - biochar. This seemingly simple substance has transformed the way we care for our animals. 

Not only does it make stall cleaning a breeze and more enjoyable, but it also has benefits for animal health and digestion when used as a feed additive.

So, let me tell you a little bit about how I incorporate biochar into my animal husbandry practices.

Before we dive into how I use biochar for my animals however, let's start with the basics. 

Biochar is a type of charcoal that is made by heating organic material (like wood or agricultural waste) in the absence of oxygen. It's been around for thousands of years - ancient civilizations used it to improve soil fertility. 

And let me tell you, they were onto something. 

Biochar is one of the most effective soil amendments out there. It improves soil structure, increases water retention, and provides a home for beneficial microorganisms. Plus, it's a great way to sequester carbon - it locks it away in the soil for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. 

So, whether you're a farmer, gardener, or homesteader, incorporating biochar into your animal husbandry practices and soil is a no-brainer.

Biochar as Animal Bedding

As someone who has spent many a day shoveling out animal stalls, I can tell you that traditional bedding materials like straw, wood shavings, and wood chips have their drawbacks. 

First of all, they stink. 

No matter how often you clean the stalls, that ammonia smell just lingers. 

And then there's the issue of moisture - if you don't replace the bedding frequently enough, it can get damp and moldy. 

Plus, traditional bedding materials can be expensive, especially if you have a lot of animals to care for. 

But fear not, my friends, because there is a solution to all of these problems: biochar.

Let me tell you, since I started using biochar as animal bedding, my life has been so much easier. 

First of all, it's great for odor control. You know that ammonia smell I mentioned earlier? Well, with biochar, it's a thing of the past. Biochar has a natural ability to absorb odors, so even after a few days, the stalls still smell fresh. 

Plus, it's great for moisture retention. Biochar can hold up to 3 times its weight in water, so even if your animals spill their water buckets, the bedding stays dry. And, because it's so absorbent, you don't have to replace it as often as traditional bedding materials. 

That means less work for you and less waste.

But wait, there's more! Biochar can also capture nutrients, which is great for your garden or fields. As your animals excrete waste onto the biochar bedding, it acts like a sponge, absorbing the nutrients and keeping them from leaching into the soil. Then, when you clean out the stalls, you can compost the biochar along with the manure and use it to fertilize your crops. It's a win-win situation.

And let's not forget about the environmental benefits of using biochar. Because it's made from organic material, it's a renewable resource. Plus, by using biochar instead of traditional stall management materials such as zeolites, you're reducing your carbon footprint. Traditional stall management materials often come from far away and require a lot of energy to produce and transport. 

Biochar, on the other hand, can be made locally and sustainably.

Now, you may be wondering, "How do I actually use biochar as animal bedding?" Well, it's pretty simple, really. 

First, you want to make sure you're using the right type of biochar. Look for biochar that is specifically designed for animal bedding - it should be free of any contaminants and have a large particle size, not dust.

Once you have your biochar, you'll want to mix it with other bedding materials. While biochar is great on its own, it's not very comfortable for your animals to lie on. So, mix it with something like straw or wood shavings to give your animals a soft place to rest. The recommended application rate for biochar is about 10-20% of the total bedding material. So, if you're using 5 bales of straw or shavings, you'll want to add about 1 or 2 5 gallon buckets worth of biochar.

When you're mixing the biochar with the other bedding materials, make sure you do it thoroughly. You don't want clumps of biochar in one spot and none in another. 

One thing to keep in mind is that biochar can be a little dusty when you're first mixing it in. So, wear a mask to protect your lungs and make sure your animals have plenty of ventilation. Once the biochar has been in the stalls for a few days, the dust settles and it's not an issue anymore.

As the animals move around in their stall, they will break the biochar up a bit, exposing even more surface area for nutrient and odor absorption.

Biochar as a Feed Additive

Now, on to using biochar as an animal feed additive.  

I first noticed that whenever I’d add biochar to the bedding, the animals would go nuts exploring it and eating it, so I decided to do some investigation into what exactly they were doing.

Let's talk about animal feed for a minute. Traditional animal feeds, like corn or soybean meal, have their limitations. 

Sure, they provide your animals with the nutrients they need to survive, but they don't necessarily promote gut health or optimal digestion. 

In fact, some of the ingredients in traditional feeds can actually be harmful to your animals in large quantities.

Take corn, for example. It's a common ingredient in many animal feeds, but it's also high in starch. When your animals eat too much starch, it can disrupt their gut microbiome and lead to digestive issues. 

And let's not forget about soybean meal. While it's a good source of protein, it's also high in anti-nutrients like phytates, which can interfere with nutrient absorption.

So, what's the solution? Well, one option is to switch to a more natural diet for your animals. But that's not always feasible, especially if you have a lot of animals to feed. 

That's where biochar comes in.

Biochar can be used as a feed additive to improve gut health, digestion, and nutrient absorption. 

It works by providing a home for beneficial microorganisms in your animals' guts. 

These microorganisms help break down food and make nutrients more available for absorption. Plus, because biochar is so absorbent, it can help reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in your animals' guts.

But that's not all. 

Biochar can also help reduce methane emissions from your animals. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is produced during the digestion process. 

By using biochar as a feed additive, you can help reduce the amount of methane your animals produce, which is good for the environment.

Now, I’m not a veterinarian or an animal nutritionist, so please do your own research.  I can only share what I’ve observed and what has worked on our farm.

There have been several research studies that have shown the benefits of using biochar in animal feed.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Animal Science found that adding biochar to pig feed improved nutrient absorption and reduced the amount of harmful bacteria in the pigs' guts. Another study, published in the journal Poultry Science, found that adding biochar to chicken feed improved gut health and reduced the incidence of disease.

But it's not just research studies that support the use of biochar as a feed additive. There are also plenty of anecdotal stories from farmers and homesteaders who have seen the benefits firsthand.

I’ve personally noticed with our pigs and chickens that the animals will “flock” to the biochar when it comes out.  They love the stuff, and I believe that the animals all know what they need.

Now that we've established that biochar can be a great feed additive for your animals, let's talk about how to actually use it. 

First of all, you want to make sure you're using the right type of biochar. Look for biochar that is specifically designed for animal feed - it should be free of any contaminants and have a large particle size, same as you’d use for their bedding.

When it comes to application rates, the recommended amount of biochar to add to your animals' feed will vary depending on the type of animal and their weight. As a general rule of thumb, you'll want to start with a small amount (around 1-2% of their feed) and gradually increase it over time. You don't want to shock their systems with too much biochar all at once.

Mixing the biochar with your animals' feed is pretty straightforward. Just add the biochar to their feed and mix it in thoroughly.

Another option is to just have the biochar available free-choice, and let the animals choose how much to eat.

Because biochar is so absorbent, you'll want to make sure your animals have access to plenty of water while they're eating.

One thing to keep in mind is that biochar can be a little dusty. So, wear a mask when you're handling it and make sure your animals have plenty of ventilation while they're eating. 

Again, as with any new feed additive, it's always a good idea to start small and monitor your animals' health closely. If you notice any adverse effects, stop using the biochar and consult with a veterinarian.

Overall, using biochar as a feed additive is a simple and effective way to improve your animals' health and reduce your environmental impact. Give it a try and see the benefits for yourself!

Case Studies

I've talked a lot about the benefits of using biochar for animal bedding and as a feed additive, but don't just take my word for it. There are plenty of farmers and homesteaders out there who have seen the benefits firsthand.

For example, there's a farmer in Montana who started using biochar as animal bedding for his dairy cows. He noticed a significant improvement in the cows' comfort and health, and even saw an increase in milk production. You can read more about his experience in this article from the Biochar Journal.

Another homesteader in Pennsylvania started using biochar as animal bedding for her chickens. She found that the biochar helped reduce the amount of moisture in the coop and kept the bedding smelling fresh. Plus, she noticed that her chickens were healthier and happier. You can read more about her experience in this article from the Mother Earth News.

And, of course, I've seen the benefits of using biochar for my own animals. Since I started using biochar as animal bedding and as a feed additive, I've noticed that my animals are healthier, happier, and produce less waste. Plus, I feel good knowing that I'm using a sustainable and environmentally-friendly practice on my homestead and making great additions to our compost piles, pastures, and gardens.

So, whether you're a farmer, homesteader, or just someone who cares about the health and well-being of your animals, consider giving biochar a try. You may be pleasantly surprised by the results.

Conclusion

So, there you have it - the benefits of using biochar for animal bedding and as a feed additive. 

Biochar is a natural and sustainable solution to many of the challenges that come with traditional animal husbandry practices.

As animal bedding, biochar provides superior odor control, moisture retention, and nutrient capture, all while reducing waste and your carbon footprint. And, when used as a feed additive, biochar can improve gut health, digestion, and nutrient absorption, all while reducing methane emissions from your animals.

While there is still more research to be done on the benefits of biochar, the evidence we have so far is promising. And, as with any new practice, it's always a good idea to start small and see how your animals respond, but I have a feeling you'll be pleasantly surprised by the results.

So, whether you're a farmer, homesteader, or just someone who cares about the health and well-being of your animals, consider giving biochar a try. It's a simple and effective way to improve your animals' health and reduce your environmental impact. 

And who knows, maybe you'll end up like the farmer in Montana or the homesteader in Pennsylvania, seeing firsthand the benefits of using biochar for your animals.

Why not take a look at our biochar offerings:

More Resources:

Article on ammonia capture using biochar: Biochar soaks up ammonia pollution, study shows

Article on methane capture using biochar: Using Biochar in the High Plains to Reduce Carbon Emissions

Article on nitrous oxide capture using biochar: Biochar reduces nasty nitrous oxide emissions on farms