More natural behavior
Having company is important for calves. By raising calves in pairs, they learn to play with peers from the first days of life. As a result, calves will automatically exhibit more natural behaviors later in life. Having social contact at an early age helps calves learn social interactions faster and also improves their other learning skills. Thus, socialized calves also show more curiosity and less fear later in life. Several studies show that calves experience less stress when reared in pairs. For example, a study by the University of British Columbia shows that the number of times a calf mooed is half as much when calves are together. Seeing them eat makes them eat Rearing in pairs also has a positive effect on feed intake. During the milking period, an additional feed intake of 30% is possible, research from the University of British Columbia shows. Calves encourage each other to eat new and unfamiliar feed. This also makes the transition from milk to feed smoother. Research shows that calves raised in pairs eat an average of over 1 kilogram per day from day 1 after weaning. While individually reared calves do not start eating until day 2. Those calves do not exceed the daily intake of 1 kilogram until day 4. They lose weight in the first few days, while calves raised in pairs do not. Lower risk of disease Calves are often 'isolated' for the first few weeks of life to keep them healthy and prevent infections. While research shows that the risk of disease is significantly lower when calves are raised in pairs. The risk of disease in the period up to weaning was compared between individual rearing and rearing in pairs. Calves raised in pairs have about 2/3 less diarrhea and 50% less pneumonia. In fact, pairs of about the same age form a so-called 'infection unit' which gives a reduced risk of infection. An important side note: in Dutch practice, calves are 'only' kept in single-stall pens for 10 to 14 days. Then, well before weaning, they are kept in groups of 2 to 6 calves. As a result, more socialization often already takes place. Little risk of suckling Several studies cite the risk of cross sucking as a possible disadvantage of housing calves in pairs. Cross sucking is understood as excessive sucking on ears, navels and teats, which can lead to infections. Excessive suckling is a sign that calves cannot exercise sufficient natural behavior. To prevent this, a number of facilities are important. A weaning bucket combined with ample milk supply helps meet this natural need and ensures calves are calmer. In addition, gradual weaning combined with ample feed supply and room to move is important to stop the suckling urge. Supply of sufficient good quality forage allows calves to spend more time absorbing and ruminating on feed. Housing for pairs Rearing calves in pairs requires a different design of housing for young calves. The dimensions of CalfOTel®'s new model XL-2 are tailored to the European regulations for keeping and rearing calves in groups. The model is extra wide and extra high to provide comfortable accommodation for two calves. Also, the entrance is extra large so calves can easily walk in and out at the same time. Despite its size, the model is still easy to move because of the integrated wheels and the handle at the back. Another advantage of the XL-2 is that the feed openings in the fence are adjustable. The XL-2 is suitable for both young and older calves and both small and large breeds. Calves can therefore remain safely in their familiar hutch for longer. This duo housing saves labor and costs for the farmer and an extra stress moment for the calves when moving.
