Exploring Calf Housing Designs: Weighing the Pros and Cons for Optimal Calf Care

ADVANTAGES 

• Effective at preventing disease transfer between calves due to limited contact.
• Allows adequate space for the calf with choice of preferred environment.
• Less competition for feed so starter intake and heath of individual calves can be closely monitored.

DISADVANTAGES 

• Disease control can be harder if drainage is poor and area not rotated.
• Individual hutches are harder to clean which can require more labour.
• Some milk contracts and Red Tractor assurance stipulate calves are to be housed in pairs. Individually reared calves are more likely to suffer cognitive deficits compared to socially reared calves (Meagher et al., 2015). 

ADVANTAGES 

• Group housing provides a more natural environment – reduced stress can increase weight gain and intake of starter feed making the transition of weaning easier and less stressful (AHDB, 2023).
• Temperatures inside igloos have been shown to be 2.3oC degrees warmer than the exercise area and 0.8 oC warmer than the current indoor housing (Dairy Global, 2020).
• Good ventilation – testing has shown the air changes every 15 minutes in igloos (AHDB, 2023).
• Easy to clean – can be picked up with the loader and power-washed reducing labour.

DISADVANTAGES 

• Increased risk of transferring respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases compared to individual calf housing.
• In windy or cold conditions, straw bales may be needed for protection.
• Risk of developing negative behaviours such as navel sucking and competitive and dominance behaviour (NADIS, 2023)

ADVANTAGES 

• Can design the shed innovatively in conjunction with a professional to improve calf health and welfare.
• Can achieve good hygiene and ventilation if building is well maintained.  
• Can also accommodate any location unlike hutches.   
• Can benefit labour logistically and can make nicer working conditions in harsher weather.

DISADVANTAGES 

• Risk of disease transmission is greater, particularly when constantly stocked and limited rest times.
• Relatively high capital costs compared to other systems.  May also be difficult to obtain planning (AHDB,2023).

ADVANTAGES 

• Lower cost since no added cost of putting up a new shed.
• Adapting the shed to suit both farmer and calf requirements.
• Can provide excellent shelter when draughts are avoided without preventing fresh air access.

DISADVANTAGES 

• Often there is little opportunity for natural ventilation and rely on mechanical ventilation.
• Hygiene can be compromised if there is poor drainage and surfaces are hard to clean and disinfect.

ADVANTAGES

• Naturally light environment increases calf comfort.
• Provides calves with a dry well-ventilated environment reducing stress and increases food conversion to weight gain for optimum growth.
• Reduced labour –potential cost benefit over barn construction.

DISADVANTAGES 

• Air quality - the longer the polytunnel, the more restricted the air movement is especially if high stocking density.
• Difficult to regulate temperature in warmer months and requires.  Also requires attention to detail on control of draughts and drainage.