HOUSING FOR YOUNG CALVES

During this busy time, there are a number of factors to consider when housing young calves. A good housing environment is essential for the calf’s growth and development and through good housing practice, there is minimal disease risk.

Air Quality

It’s very important to ventilate calf buildings with fans to ensure a ready supply of fresh air. Stale air that has been contaminated with dust, moisture, ammonia and viruses that can cause pneumonia needs to be removed and replaced by fresh air. The main danger signs of poor air quality are; i. smell of ammonia in the shed ii. dark, poorly lit areas in the shed iii. high incidence of calf pneumonia.

Draught

Calves are very susceptible to the chilling effects of draughts. Calves should be protected from draughts by solid barriers that extend to the level of the floor so that they can shelter. In exposed buildings consider creating protected areas for young calves. A good way to check if there is a draught is to see if calves huddle together in a particular area in the shed. Also, on a windy day, check if a lighter flame will flicker in the lying area of your calf pens.

Moisture

High moisture content in the calf sheds promote the survival of harmful bacteria and viruses. Damp sheds are also colder than dry ones. Try to promote the removal of moisture generated inside the building by creating good drainage, using plenty of absorbent bedding and by sweeping pooled moisture from a building. Danger signs that a building is high with moisture would be wet floors, sweat and dirt on coats and condensation on the underside of the roof.