What are the benefits of raising calves separately on calf hutch?

After the birth of calves, they are usually kept in a channel style cowshed or on a separate bed, adjacent to the mother cow. Due to the weak ability of calves to resist pathogen infections at this time, they are easily infected with dysentery and respiratory diseases. If raised in the calf hutch, it can effectively prevent the invasion of pathogens on calves. In addition, as milk is the source of food for calves, even after breastfeeding, calves still maintain a sucking behavior. Cows suck on each other’s nipples, bite their tails, and lick each other, which is more likely to ingest dirt. While developing bad habits, it is also easy to cause mutual infection. The calf hutch has abundant sunshine and fresh air, providing a certain level of activity space.

Lactating calves require a dry and thief free environment. The placement of the calf hutch should be in the upwind area of the pasture, and it should also be away from septic tanks, feed depots, or other facilities, and have a certain effective epidemic prevention distance from other large cowsheds. Especially, it is important to choose a location with high and dry terrain, convenient drainage, and a flat area to provide sufficient ventilation for each calf, ensuring overall air cleanliness and providing a comfortable breeding environment for the calf. calf hutch can be arranged in rows or staggered. In winter, it should be placed in a location with a leeward and sunny direction, with a windproof area behind it, which is beneficial for reducing wind speed and increasing local environmental temperature.