Calf Sheds
To raise healthy and full-fledged animals is the main task of the animal breeder. How healthy the cattle will be depends on the conditions under which young animals are kept and with what care they are raised. And far from the last role in the specified conditions of keeping is played by calf breeders.
No matter what the facilities for keeping young animals are - classic calf houses, hangars or tents - they must meet sanitary and hygienic standards, as well as be convenient for operation. The construction of the calf house must be carried out with the necessary consideration of these two basic requirements.
Each project for the construction of a calf house is individual and takes into account the peculiarities of the region, as well as the wishes of customers. The size of the calf hut directly depends on the snow and wind load. Depending on the climate of the region, the calf house can be insulated if desired. It is important that the optimal microclimate is maintained in the calf house - in the first days of life, it is especially important to prevent the possibility of drafts and increased humidity in the calf house. For this, the floors in the cages are latticed, and the calves are kept on a deep straw litter. At the same time, it is important to change the bedding as it gets wet.
The size of the calf pen is determined by production and economic conditions, as well as depending on the natural and climatic features of the region, so that there are no difficulties with providing the young with feed.
The construction of the calf house involves taking into account the age groups of young animals and their timely movement around the building, as the cattle grow.
Up to 3 months
3-6 months
6 months and above
Each of these age groups of animals requires its own housing conditions. As a rule, all age groups are contained within the same building, but in different sections.
These sections are equipped with group cells, each containing from 10 to 20 individuals. Cells are located in rows, between cells and rows it is necessary to create a space for service personnel and equipment. In the rows, there are special collection machines that remove the waste of calves. Feeders and drinkers must be installed in each cage.
The recommended space for one calf up to 6 months is 3-4 square meters, and for a calf over 6 months old - already 6 square meters. In many European farms, the technology of cold storage of young animals has been used for a long time. In conditions from -3 to -7 C, calves feel comfortable and develop successfully. In addition, such a temperature contributes to the hardening of livestock and reduces the risk of spreading diseases and infections. In order for the calves not to freeze on the floor, straw bedding is placed there, especially in the first months of life. Natural coating is quite cheap and at the same time retains heat. Its timely replacement is easily carried out with the help of service personnel and special equipment.
Calves with preventive blocks serve the purpose of growing strong young animals well. Such blocks are usually made with an isolated entrance.
In addition, the blocks should be equipped with cells or houses for individual maintenance of calves, so that sick animals do not come into contact with each other, as well as for the convenience of veterinarians. It is desirable to design the sewage system and ventilation in preventive units autonomously. This will help protect calves from the spread of diseases.
For healthy calves, as a rule, group housing is used (with selection in one group of calves of the same age and sex). For this purpose, the calf farms are divided by partitions into sections, each of which contains separate groups of young animals.
Professional designers ensure your cowshed meets all zootechnical, sanitary, and construction regulations, helping you avoid costly mistakes.
Professional designs incorporate advanced climate control and energy-saving technologies that promote sustainability.
Experience in the field allows us to foresee potential issues and prevent operational problems.
Customized design plans optimize workflows and technical processes, increasing productivity and reducing operational costs.
