Absorbent, deodorizing, hygienic animal bedding composition and method of manufacture

An animal bedding composition for use as a covering for an animal stall floor to provide cushioning relatively free from fibrous dust particles, moisture absorption and adsorption, and odor control, and to further provide a ready-to-apply agricultural fertilizer when used in waste form in combination with animal waste, including urine, the animal bedding composition comprising:

• (a) a plurality of pieces of kraft paper in a multiple panel structure having outer generally parallel panels and an internal panel connected to the outer panels and providing an air gap between the outer panels, and
• (b) an ion exchange agent in a particulate form for adsorbing ammonia ions, said ion exchange agent interspersed with the pieces and substantially in contact with all surfaces of the pieces, whereby the ion exchange agent is carried by the pieces when distributed upon a stall floor, and air and moisture within a stall contacts the kraft paper of the pieces and the ion exchange particulates on the pieces providing a moisture and odor reduction process.

An animal bedding composition for distribution upon an animal stall to provide a hygienic support medium comprising a mixture of

• (a) shredded cardboard composed of individual cardboard pieces having internal corrugations and outer panels forming air gaps therebetween;
• and
• (b) a particulate ion exchange agent for reducing the amount of airborne ammonia from animal waste.