26 January 2023

How long should calves remain in a cubicle?

By preference, calves should remain in cubicles for the first 14 days. In a cubicle, the calf is safe, and you, the livestock farmer, are in control of drinking and health. “Calves should be moved on after 14 days,” suggested Lieke Janssen, young cattle ­specialist at Agrifirm in The Netherlands.

“Into group accommodation with other calves, where they learn to socialise.” Johan Verdaasdonk, young cattle ­specialist at Nutrifeed, added that the sensitive ‘crypto’ period is also passed after two weeks.

The age difference within the group should between two and not more than four weeks,” explained Lieke. “For this age category that is the maximum; otherwise the older animals become too dominant.”

The feeding timetable is essential to prevent the calves suckling on each other. “The calves have to be fed enough or they will try to find other ways of satisfying the suckling reflex.” In practice it means having three to four groups during the milk period. But this does not apply to farms with a machine and two stations, added Verdaasdonk. “Normally speaking it is not a ­problem, on condition the calves are fed enough to prevent suckling.”

In group accommodation calves learn to socialise

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