A leading UK animal health expert raised questions over Irish-designed animal housing at a recent calf health conference in the UK, organised by Buitelaar Trading Ltd. Jamie Robertson, an honorary research fellow with the School of Biological Science at the University of Aberdeen, said that many of the buildings that were erected during the recent Farm Waste Management Scheme were unfit for purpose.

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Animal housing needs a constant supply of fresh air and the vented sheeting that was erected on many animal houses under this scheme does not allow enough fresh air to enter the animal area. This is of fundamental importance to reduce pneumonia problems in sheds during the winter months.

Yorkshire boarding (pictured) is proven to be more effective and Roberston said Irish farmers should use more of this style of ventilation when constructing animal housing. He claimed that up to 20% extra liveweight gain could be achieved by addressing environment and health issues on farms. He stressed the importance of hygiene, especially in young-calf rearing sheds and also the importance of ensuring that young calves have a dry bed to lie on.

Bacteria multiply in high moisture environments and need to be kept to a minimum if animals are to be kept healthy

Robertson said: “Bacteria multiply in high moisture environments and need to be kept to a minimum if animals are to be kept healthy.”

He stressed that while vaccination for pneumonia is an important prevention tool on many farms, it is only part of the process. “It’s really very simple: having healthy animals starts at the very beginning with colostrum, you then ensure a good environment and add top-class management.”

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