The calf immune system is immature at birth. Calves that do not receive adequate colostrum are at an even greater risk however all calves may become sick through direct contact with an infected animal. Housing calves separately eliminates calf suckling and licking, and minimizes disease spread. Calf Comfort M aximizing calf comfort is critical to keeping calves healthy and maximizing calf development. Comfortable calves can utilize the nutrients in their feed for growing rather than fighting environmental stress.
T here are four basic requirements to maintaining calf comfort.
K eeping calves dry means providing adequate drainage and clean bedding. Adequate drainage can be achieved in hutches by raising them up off the ground, utilizing a large-gravel base or grading the calf area. The bottom line is to keep excess rain and urine moisture away from calves. Wet calves are difficult to keep warm especially during the cold winter months. M any sources of bedding can be used successfully including straw, almond shell and shavings.