Always difficult: the transition to lying boxes

From the straw pen to lying boxes is always a big change for calves. From a warm bed of straw where they can lie together, they need to learn to settle down in the individual pens. Johan Verdaasdonk, young cattle ­specialist at Nutrifeed, has one more good tip: spread straw in the pens. He went on to emphasize the importance of good accommodation for the youngest calves.

“Many farmers invest in their dairy cows and the growth of the herd; but the young cattle departments have not enjoyed the same level of growth. Try checking the numbers of young cattle at any one time. Are the cubicles still appropriate in terms of size? Is the floor grate undamaged and are the gaps too wide? All of these points must be carefully considered suggested Johan. Good rearing pays for itself in well developed heifers, that calve young, with low drop-out rates, and with the capacity to achieve high life production levels.”

Many farms have invested in dairy cows, but the young cattle departments have not grown proportionally

Johan Verdaasdonk
Young stock ­specialist