As we inch toward the brink of winter, we are often reminded once the first cold temperatures hit of all the tasks we need to accomplish on the farm before the snow flies. One main area of focus should be gearing up your calf program for winter by potentially adjusting your feeding program or considering ventilation in their housing areas. Penn State agricultural engineer John Tyson acknowledged the importance of a good ventilation plan during the winter in a recent Penn State extension article.
Because of their size, calves do not have the ability to produce an excess of body heat like lactating cows, but they do produce an ample amount of water vapor as they breathe. If the temperature is 37°F, a calf will produce around 1.25 ounces of water per hour. “During a 24-hour period, that water is almost 2 pounds or 1 quart of water per calf that needs to be removed from the shelter,” Tyson said. This becomes a problem during the winter, as cold air does not have the ability to hold as much water vapor as warm air does. This trapped air often condenses on surfaces such as the pen dividers, floor, ceiling, and walls, creating the perfect environment that can lead to disease outbreaks for calves. Because of this, condensation must be replaced with fresh air.
Lactating animals produce a larger amount of body heat, generally making them 5°F to 10°F warmer than outside temperatures. Calves do not have the reserves to produce that amount of body heat quite yet; therefore, there will be little to no temperature difference between inside a calf barn and outside. “This makes natural ventilation for calf shelters more of a challenge during the winter,” he said.
Designing a ventilation system that is farm specific is a key for success. Ventilation is generally measured by the amount of air exchanges per hour. However, the amount of air exchanges varies upon climate. With lower ventilation rates throughout the winter, good air distribution can become a challenge. Some areas of the shelter may prove to be very stale, while others remain wet. Positive pressure ventilation has become popular among many farmers because of its ability to exude fresh air throughout the shelter evenly and eliminate dampness.
Ventilation systems can cost a pretty penny, so there are other things you can do to help keep the calves warm. Provide adequate bedding that allows calves to nest, allowing them to maintain a clean and dry coat along with proper nutrition. The use of calf jackets also allows the calf to retain body heat as temperatures continue to drop.
Calf hutches are the “gold standard” when compared to other housing options, providing the calf with a draft free area in the rear of the hutch and shelter when needed, but it isn’t always possible for a farm to maintain them. Other farms may have different housing options for their calves that works better for the farmer from a management and labor standpoint. “Take a look at your calf housing from the calf’s point of view and what it needs to stay healthy and make adjustments as needed,” Tyson encouraged.
