The Irish dairy sector has been gearing up for expansion and life post-quotas for the last three years. In addition to new entrants, there are a significant number of dairy farmers increasing herd size.

This has resulted in higher calf births, with dairy births increasing by over 3.5% in 2014 and forecast to grow by 1% to 1.5% more in 2015.

Many farmers have already made plans to cater for higher calf births. Many will operate a similar policy of only retaining replacement heifers and selling male progeny, but even so, with a higher replacement rate there may need to be plans put in place to deal with extra calves.

There is an added complication in 2015 of the country being significantly over quota (7% over at the end of December), with suggestions some dairy farmers may retain extra calves to consume surplus milk. There will also be drystock farmers or specialised rearers who may see extra calves on the ground as a means of increasing output through calf-to-beef systems.

Whatever the reason, healthy rearing facilities are vital to prevent disease entry and spread.

Here, we look at different options for rearing calves indoors and outdoors and some products on the market that manufacturers claim offer healthy environments for calves and reduce illnesses.

Picture 1

Homemade calf hutches like these ones used in Moorepark offer a cost-effective way of rearing calves outdoors. The hutch is made up of a box iron frame, sheets of galvanise and timber laths to construct a slatted floor. Hutches can be constructed with heavy box iron so that connections for three-point linkage or brackets for the front loader of a tractor can be fitted to aid transport.

Emer Kennedy of Teagasc Mooepark says this type of hutch caters for calves from four to five weeks old. She advises farmers using this system to only let calves out when the weather is cool and dry because wet and cold weather could lead to calves contracting pneumonia. A 12ft x 7ft hutch would comfortably hold 10 to 11 calves.

In Moorepark, groups of 15-20 calves are usually batched together and two shelters are placed in a v shape directed towards a hedge or wall in a sheltered paddock. This way, calves get protection from the wind no matter what direction it is blowing from.

It is important to have overhead protection as well as wind protection. Emer says the floors in the shelters are raised to keep the calves off the ground and ensure that they are not lying on a damp muddy surface.

Picture 2

Agri-Plastics have an indoor calf pen system. The pen is made up of four heavy duty panels. Each panel has interlocking tongue and groove systems that the manufacturers claim makes it quick and easy to assemble. The company say their reasoning behind this system of housing calves is that bacteria do not have the same ability to grow and spread because calves are in single units with no physical contact to other calves.

The penning is suitable for multipurpose sheds as it can be dismantled quickly and stored elsewhere for the year. There are separate water and feed buckets which help limit the risk of cross contamination. Agri Plastics say this pen makes life easy for the farmer because the front entrance door is large and hard wearing which aids ease of access to calves. Another feature of this penning system are the rear rotary air vents that can be easily opened or closed. The indoor penning system comes in a range of different styles and features but for a pen with five foot panels suitable for calves up to five weeks of age it will cost €275 + VAT which comes standard with two feeding buckets. Reduced rates are available for large purchases. Teemore Engineering are the main distributors in Ireland for Agri-Plastics.

Picture 3

Calf hutches are becoming increasingly popular on calf rearing units. JFC manufacture different types of plastic hutches, some single hutches for rearing calves in the first weeks of life and group hutches for rearing multiple calves at once. The group hutch pictured accommodates up to eight calves at one time. It is ventilated with an adjustable roof and rear vent. There are two lifting hooks at the top of the hutch to aid transport.

JFC claim that it is a more cost effective and versatile alternative to a permanent shed. The hutch can be bedded with straw or woodchip. The manufacturers say group hutches such as these are ideal for the transitional period when calves come from single units and are introduced to a small batch of calves to aid bonding and help build resistance to disease. This, they claim prepares calves for introduction to larger groups.

The large group hutch has a recommended retail price (RRP) of €1,230. JFC also sell a galvanised penning frame to fit in front of the large hutch which has a RRP of €449 including VAT. A ten-teat calf reservoir calf feeder (Picture 3a) that can be securely hung on a gate is priced at €140 including VAT (including starter teats). It costs €150 including VAT for the Eazyflow set of teats as calves get older.

Picture 4

EasyFix has a “Calf comfort Slat” that they feel is a good alternative to bedding calves with straw. It is made up of a timber pallet that is lined with a rubber covering that offers a “dry comfortable lying surface for calves”. Each slat is 2m x 1m in dimension, but can be ordered to fit the dimensions of a specific pen.

The surface is soft and Easyfix say there is a special anti-slip surface that prevents calves slipping and hurting themselves during housing. The comfort slat is suitable for young calves and weanlings with a weight capacity of 250KG. There is a 25mm gap between the slat to allow waste escape but prevent hoofs getting caught.

The timber underneath the rubber is treated. The rubber blocks attached to the three cross rib timbers provide a 1.5 inch clearance from the ground, preventing the timber soaking up moisture and extending the lifespan of the timber. The EasyFix Calf Comfort Slats have a 5 year warranty, they are priced at €130 plus vat and include free delivery with six or more units.

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