In the lead up to calving its time to start thinking about maintenance of the shed, trailers and paddocks and feed equipment used during this busy time.
Some top tips for a well-performing calf area design include:
- A north-facing shed will ensure full sun
- Solid walls between pens can ensure no pen intermingling and create easier cleaning.
Feeders at front of pens to eliminate wet areas in bedding - Good walkway/bike access allows for good stock maintenance and workers not having to climb pens.
A multi-functional design can allow storage of machinery when calving season finishes
Temporary pen design can be useful for removal at front and rear of pens - Vents to the rear wall to ensure good airflow and ventilation
- Shed design to ensure no bird contamination and resting places
- Good roofing design for weather tightness
- Need help with shed design give us a call
Top maintenance tasks for before and after calving starts:
- Calf trailer maintenance and repair
- Calf trailer and feeding equipment clean and disinfected
- Calf shed clean and disinfected and all repairs and maintenance done
- Designated sick calf area ready
- Fresh bedding laid in calf shed
- Troughs should be cleaned and maintained regularly.
Top tips for calf welfare:
- Calves should be kept on compressible soft bedding that is dry and clean, prevents thermal stress and provides the opportunity for calves to engage in play behavior.
- Ammonia levels should be maintained at less than 15ppm. Hydrogen sulphide, which accumulates above stored manure, should be maintained at less than 10ppm.
- Required pen space per calf 2.5 m2
Calves should be < 7days of age to each other - Higher stocking rates encourages disease outbreak & spread
More info at Dairy NZ
https://www.dairynz.co.nz/animal/calves/setting-up-for-calving/
Some Tips on calf sheds from Franklin Vets
https://franklinvets.co.nz/app/uploads/2019/05/Gold-Star-Calf-Shed.pdf
Refer to the MPI website for Dairy Cattle code of welfare
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/1415-dairy-cattle-animal-welfare-code-of-welfare