Finnian and Joseph Matthews from Dunleer, Co Louth, sent us their quick and easy method of rearing calves on their farm. The Matthews rear over 150 calves in the springtime. They use a special calf hutch that can hold nine to ten calves at once. The hutch can be easily moved with the loader of the teleporter.

Originally, the Matthews built their own hutches using the roofs from old meal bins to cover the top. Now, a neighbour specialises in building these hutches and they cost approximately €1,200. The Matthews are very happy with them because it has saved them a significant amount of money that would otherwise be used for erecting housing for calves.

They also find the hutches are a very healthy place for calf rearing because the front is fully open with a roof overhang which prevents rain blowing inside. The hutch is 7ft wide by 12ft long and it is 6ft 6in high at the eaves. The hutches are usually positioned on the silage slab when the pit is empty.

Milk transporter

The Matthews also have a very innovative and simple method for feeding their calves quickly. They use a 200-litre barrel that is fitted inside a frame and is easily transported using chains and the teleporter loader. During milking, the container is left beside the parlour and a pipe is placed in a small hole at the top of the barrel.

At feeding time, the setup is moved with the teleporter to the calf hutches. A fuel nozzle and hose were fitted to the bottom of the barrel, and a 20in gap from the bottom of the barrel to the ground leaves plenty of room for the hose. As the level of milk in the barrel drops during feeding the teleporter loader is heightened to allow gravity flow from the hose to the teat feeder.

The Matthews say it only takes half an hour to feed their 150 calves. To make the feeding setup it cost €60 for the pipe and nozzle, €17 for the chain and €80 for the steel, or €157 in total.