Source: www.landwirt.com
The igloo has established itself as the optimal housing system for calves and is now indispensable on many farms. However, to provide the calves with the best possible protection, a few things must be considered.
In the first few weeks after birth, calves require the best possible nutrition and care. To keep germ levels low, it is advisable to house them separately from the rest of the barn. If calves are kept in the fresh air, they are exposed to less ammonia. Furthermore, dust and harmful gas levels are lower in the fresh air. All of these aspects therefore speak in favor of housing calves in igloos. Furthermore, calf igloos are a cost-effective alternative, especially for smaller herds when construction work is not feasible.
Observe important principles
Constant fresh air and sufficient light contribute to calves' health and well-being. However, there are a few things to consider when setting up an igloo:
- To provide the calves with the best possible protection from heat, cold, wind and precipitation, the igloos should be placed under an eave or a flat roof.
- Due to the risk of infection, calf igloos should be placed at least 50 cm apart. However, since calves need social contact, it is important that the animals can see each other.
- The opening of the igloo must not face the weather side, otherwise precipitation will be carried into the igloo and the calves will be exposed to the wind.
- In colder temperatures, the calf should not be placed in the igloo until it is already dry after birth.
- In winter, orient the igloo entrance southeast to east so that the low sun warms the calf. In summer, it's best to orient the igloo north to northeast. This way, the igloo doesn't overheat as much and the calf has more shade.
- The floor of each igloo must be covered with a thick straw mattress to protect the calf from the cold below.
- The igloo must be cleaned and, if necessary, disinfected before each new occupancy. To further minimize germ load, cleaning should be done with a high-pressure cleaner in a separate area. Disinfection can be used as a preventative measure and can be useful in the event of population problems. The smoother the surface and the fewer recesses and corners, the easier cleaning is. The disinfecting effect of UV radiation can also be utilized by placing the igloos upside down and exposing them to direct sunlight.
- The igloo should be left empty for a few days before the next occupancy.
Easy to handle
Overall, raising calves in an igloo is straightforward. Igloos are generally easy to clean and maintain. Igloos represent an inexpensive way to keep calves in good conditions. If a few basic principles are observed, nothing stands in the way of healthy calf rearing.
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