ALPHA-dri®
Specifications
ALPHA-dri® is composed of virgin paper pulp cellulose that is completely clean and virtually free of contaminants that are found in most animal beddings
There is a reason that our premium bedding begins with the name ALPHA.
- ALPHA-dri® is available in 20lb bags
- 60 bags/pallet
- Available irradiated & certified (may be minimum QTY required)
- Comes in bulk totes; 700 lbs/bag minimum
OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IN THE CAGE
Bedding is a controllable research variable that research animals are exposed to 24/7. ALPHA-dri® is the bedding of choice to ensure the elimination of bedding derived confounding variables.
- Free of Mycotoxins and Endotoxins
Mycotoxins and Endotoxins are common in corn cob and wood chip bedding materials. These substances may have a significant impact on the physiological and behavioral aspects of the research animal. These inorganic contaminants are not removed by autoclaving or irradiation treatments. ALPHA-dri is free of these potentially study disrupting chemicals. - Completely Free of Odor Controlling Chemicals or Masking Substances
We at SSP will never add a foreign substance to ALPHA-dri to artificially eliminate or mask odors. These substances may alter research results and they are specifically forbidden to be used in bedding per the GUIDE. - NOT Manufactured from Harvested Materials
Other harvested bedding materials like wood chips and corn cob are highly variable in species, composition and microbiological contaminants in addition to seasonal variability.
ALPHA-dri is manufactured from pure, virgin paper cellulose virtually free of confounding variables - Never Recycled and Always Consistent Virgin Paper Pulp
Other available paper pulp materials are often manufactured from recycled fibers or inconsistent pulp sources. ALPHA-dri is only manufactured from one specific grade of virgin paper pulp that meet’s SSP’s strict standards. - Free of Chemical Contaminants
ALPHA-dri is free of all heavy metals, pesticides and emerging contaminant compounds like PFAS and PFOS substances. - Exceptional consistency
ALPHA-dri is consistent in chemical composition and particle size from cage to cage, bag to bag and lot to lot.
Research animals give their lives for the advancement of science. In return, we at Shepherd believe it is our duty to provide bedding material that encourages species specific behaviors and overall health. ALPHA-dri® is an exceptional bedding choice in support of this lofty goal.
- Comprised of a Clean and Consistent Material
ALPHA-dri is manufactured from a pure cellulose material that is free of potentially harmful substances like endotoxins, mycotoxins, PFAS, heavy metals and pesticides - Absorbs Over 300% Of Its Own Weight
ALPHA-dri’s superior absorbency is what helps keep the cage environment clean and dry – an ideal environment - Exceptional Natural Ammonia Control Without Chemical Additives
ALPHA-dri’s exceptional performance results in low ammonia levels particularly in ventilated cages - Dust Elimination
ALPHA-dri is manufactured in our proprietary production equipment to produce cleanly cut paper chips that are screened and aspirated resulting in the removal of loose dust fibers. Low dust levels limit health issues within the respiratory systems, sinuses and eyes of the animals. - Excellent Animal Observation
ALPHA-dri is manufactured to a specific and strict brightness specification. This bright, white color aids in health checks for blood, food consumption and other discharges - Soft and comfortable
Corn cob and wood chips are manufactured from hard materials. ALPHA-dri is manufactured from a soft paper pulp that encourages digging and manipulation.
Find a distributor
ALPHA-dri®’s unique characteristics and overall performance supports economical facility wide usage.
- Exceptional Performance Reduces Costs
ALPHA-dri is economical to use throughout the facility due to its superior absorbency and overall performance. Less bedding is needed per cage compared to other bedding materials, and cage changes may also be extended resulting in labor savings. - Virtually Dust free
Lower dust levels mean there is less dust to filter and control within the facility and the cage wash areas. - Uniform Particle size and Consistent Composition
ALPHA-dri’s uniform particle size, bulk density and moisture content allows for consistent, effective use in automatic dispensing and conveyance equipment. - Available in Several Grades
ALPHA-dri is available in our standard, irradiated and individually batch-certified grades. - Eliminate Costly Autoclaving or Irradiated Grades of Harvested Bedding Products
The overall cleanliness of ALPHA-dri is virtually free of microbial contaminants and is suitable for most studies right out of the bag. Harvested bedding materials like corn cob and wood chips require expensive sanitization methods like autoclaving or irradiation to attempt to reach similar bio loads as ALPHA-dri However, chemical contaminants like Endotoxins and Mycotoxins present in those bedding materials resist these sanitization treatments. - Several Packaging Options
Both certified and standard grades are packaged in high strength autoclavable bags. Irradiated material is supplied in a sealed poly bag within a sewn paper bag. ALPHA-dri is also available in bulk sacks.
Scientific Studies coming soon…