The methods to increase calf rearing facilities

Dairy advisor, Trevor Dunwoody, joins Emma-Louise Coffey to discuss alternative calf rearing facilities. Trevor explains examples of use of calf hutches on silage slabs, rearing calves outdoors from 3-4 weeks of age, contract rearing, sale of non-replacement stock from 2 weeks of age and construction of a new calf shed or modifying existing sheds. With calf hutches, calves are typically housed in groups of 3 to 8 and Trevor explains it is important that run off can be collected. When rearing calves outdoor, it is important to identify a sheltered paddock or provide an artificial shelter. Calves are generally fed with a mobile feeder and therefore, can be managed in larger groups. For more episodes and information from the Dairy Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/