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16/01/2024

Tips against vacuuming

Tierhaltung

Source: Landwirtschaftskammer OÖ

Calves on organic farms must be kept in groups for at least one week after birth. One problem that often arises is mutual suckling.

Essentially, sucking is an innate behavior in all mammals that is crucial for the survival of their young. Source: Landpixel

One problem that farmers repeatedly cite in connection with group housing of calves is cross-feeding (e.g., of the udder development). However, cross-feeding is not caused by group housing per se. The way in which group housing is practiced is crucial to the occurrence of this problem.
Essentially, suckling is an innate behavior in all mammals, vital for the survival of their young. However, in motherless calf rearing, as occurs in dairy farming, the calf's suckling needs are not fully met.

Optimize husbandry and feeding

There are several measures that can help prevent or at least reduce cross-sucking. First and foremost, it is necessary to create an optimal housing environment for the calves. Housing them in an open-fronted barn or an igloo, or providing them with an outdoor area, provides the calves with a greater range of environmental stimuli. Various structural elements and care facilities (e.g., hay racks, scratching brushes) in the pen also help prevent boredom for the calves. Next, it is necessary to improve watering and feeding management.