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Calf housing is more than just accommodation - it is the home of calves

In modern dairy farming, calves are usually kept separate from the rest of the herd.

There are reasons for this: For the best possible development of the immune system, the germ pressure in the calf area should be kept as low as possible. And calves' requirements of their environment are also different from those of growing or adult cattle.

Adult cattle have no problem with cool temperatures; on the contrary, they can experience heat stress at temperatures as low as 20 °C. Calves, on the other hand, like it a little warmer, but always need access to fresh air.

There is no one right type of housing for calves. Optimal housing depends on many different factors on the farm. We would like to show you some aspects of the right calf housing below.

Information on the different types of husbandry

Calf rearing in individual housing

In nature, cows deliberately move away from their herd to give birth. The calf is born without an immune system and has to develop it first. After a few days, when the calf's immune system has been fundamentally established, the cow brings it back to the herd.

This behaviour can be adapted by initially keeping the calves individually in calf igloos or individual boxes. According to current regulations, individual housing is permitted for up to eight weeks, but in practice group housing is usually implemented earlier.

Calf rearing in group housing

Calves are social creatures. For many years, studies have shown that keeping calves in groups has a positive effect on their health, social behaviour and feeding behaviour: calves kept together in calf boxes or hutches showed less stress at weaning, better feed intake and weight gain and were fitter overall.

Whether calves are initially kept individually for fear of pathogens or in groups to take account of their natural social behaviour is currently still at the farmer's decision.

Animal Welfare Regulation

Whether individually or in groups, every calf needs enough space.

The minimum space requirements for calves are regulated in national regulations. Here you will find an overview of all Kerbl calf boxes, calf hutches and calf igloos within the framework of the respective national regulations for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Finland.

Animal Welfare Regulation

Different types of housing

Modern calf boxes: safe and comfortable accommodation for your calves

Calf boxes are generally set up indoors, but at least under cover. The entire area of the calf box is littered. Our calf boxes 14610, 14611 and Calf Box Premium 14616 have a raised floor grille that allows liquids to drain away.

The modular calf box can be easily assembled and dismantled on flat surfaces and can be stacked to save space when not in use. Calf boxes are available for both individual and group housing.

Calf boxes

Calf igloos: protection and well-being for young animals during rearing

Calf igloos are characterised by the fact that the bedded lying area is covered and an open area in front of it offers the calves additional space. They can be set up outdoors, but additional weather protection must be provided depending on the weather conditions.

As a rule, the igloos are set up directly on the appropriate surface. There are calf igloos for individual housing and larger igloos for group housing.

Calf igloos

Modular fenced stabling: flexible and efficient calf accommodation

The modular fenced stabling system is a flexible housing system for calves in group housing. The stabling is set up indoors or in covered areas. As a rule, the entire surface of the stable is littered. If the stable is not needed, it can be stored to save space.

Modular fence stabling

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