calfcare.ca - Housing

Calf Housing

Hutches

Hutches provide the best biosecurity for calves. They are isolated from one another, reducing the chances for spreading disease, and are also an affordable means to house calves.

Calves need protection from the elements and some exposure to the sun. A south–facing hutch with an open front is ideal, situated over a gravel bed 100 cm (40�) deep. Only one calf should be placed in each hutch. Bedding should be long straw four to six inches deep and changed or freshened frequently. Wood shavings covered with straw make the best bedding as the absorbency of the wood keeps the calves drier. Before moving a new group of calves into the hutches, they should be moved to different locations, cleaned and disinfected. If this is not possible, the hutches should be turned upside down and at least exposed to sunlight to rid them of any potential diseases.

The Benefits of Hutch Housing Young Dairy Calves

Warm Housing Systems

Buildings that are considered to be warm housing have mechanical ventilation and supplementary heat, and are enclosed permanent structures with an insulated exterior. There are advantages to raising calves in a warm housing system if close attention is paid to air quality, but also some draw backs.

Advantages

Comfort for the operator
Less space required per calf
Easier to mechanize
Easier to treat sick calves
Less possibility of water supply freezing

Disadvantages

Higher costs to build and operate (fuel, electricity)
Possible faster spread of disease due to higher concentration of animals.
Respiratory problems in calves if barns are not properly ventilated.

Heating

Since ventilating a barn removes heat, the small amount of heat a calf gives off may need to be supplemented. The amount of heat a calf needs depends on the number of animals in the building and the amount of wall and window space. Insulation minimizes conduction heat loss, creating an efficient heating ventilation system.

Types of Heating Systems

Gas, oil or electric heaters can all supply heat. Directional or non–directional heaters equipped with fans are not recommended, but if you do use a directional unit, do not aim it at the calf. Radiant heaters are not recommended since all objects or animals in its rays get very warm before any animals outside the rays are warmed. Each heater should be controlled by a thermostat set at one to two degrees below desired building temperatures.

Basics of Calf Housing

Sorting Through Calf Housing Options

Ideal Calf Housing

A Hutch for All Seasons

Ventilation

Good air quality leads to healthy animals and a productive animal facility. The goal of ventilation is to provide adequate fresh air that is free from dust and drafts. The air should be reasonably free from pollutants such as ammonia, carbon dioxide and air–borne pathogens.

Moisture accumulates and humidity rises when animals are confined without adequate ventilation, so proper air distribution is essential. In totally enclosed buildings, the preferred relative humidity range is 55 – 75 per cent. In ventilated buildings, a baffled slot along the wall opposite the fan, a baffled inlet in the ceiling over the alley, or a tube intake system will keep cold air off the calves and keep the barn relatively draft free. It is very important to ensure that naturally ventilated barns are exposed to summer winds, have adjustable sidewall openings and a ridge opening at the top to ventilate.

In the summer, cross ventilation through windows can be sufficient. If natural cross ventilation is not possible, then a total air exchange every two minutes through a mechanized system of fans is recommended.

For proper winter ventilation, mix cold intake air with heated air before moving the air into calf–rearing areas. Air inlets should be properly positioned and air supply matched to fan capacity. Thermostats should be used for automatic control of exhaust fans.

Correctly determining ventilation system characteristics will result in a properly controlled environment. This includes speed of air passing through the fans and pressure differences inside and outside the building. Airflow visualization is a useful tool to evaluate a ventilation system’s air distribution. The services of an agricultural engineer could be used to determine the efficiency of your ventilation system.

Ventilation rates for veal calves
Source: OMAFRA fact sheet 2006

Calf weight kg (lb.)	Minimum cfm*/calf	Maximum cfm*/calf
45 (100)	10	40
70 (155)	15	60
120 (265)	26	105
170 (375)	38	150
250 (550)	55	220
300 (660)	66	265
*cfm = cubic feet per minute

Minimum and maximum rates apply to winter and summer conditions, respectively. In controlled environments, temperatures may vary between

10°C–20°C (50°F–68°F), depending on the age and weight of the calves.

Aim to change the room air between 4 times per hour and 0.5-1 time per minute. 55-75 percent is ideal.

Natural Ventilation

It is very important to make sure that naturally ventilated barns are exposed to summer winds, have adjustable sidewall openings and a ridge opening at the top to ventilate.

As calves grow, their space requirements increase from 2.2 m2 to 3.5 m2 (24 ft2-38 ft2) per calf. As with any barn design, calves must be kept clean, dry and well bedded.

Basics of Calf Housing

Housing Ventilation and Calf Health

Ventilation in Your Veal Barn: Cold Calf Housing

Calf Housing

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