Having a greater number of cows means dairy calf figures continue to increase. Inevitably this leads to a limit on housing resources.

Homemade calf hutches like these ones used in Moorepark offer a cost effective way of rearing calves outdoors (see picture 1). The hutch is made up of a box iron frame, sheets of galvanise and timber laths to construct a slatted floor. Hutches can be constructed with heavy box iron so that connections for three-point linkage or brackets for the front loader of a tractor can be fitted to aid transport.

Emer Kennedy of Teagasc Moorepark says this type of hutch caters for clave from four to five weeks old. She advises farmers using this system to only let calves out when the weather is cool and dry because wet and cold weather could lead to calves contracting pneumonia. A 12ft x 7ft hutch would comfortably hold 10 to 11 calves. In Moorepark, groups of 15-20 calves are usually hatched together and two shelters are placed in a v shape directed towards a hedge or wall in a sheltered paddock. This way, calves get protection from the wind no matter what direction it is blowing from.

It is important to have overhead protection. Emer says the floors in the shelters are raised to keep the calves off the ground and ensure that they are not lying on a damp muddy surface.

Agri-Plastics have an indoor calf pen system (see picture 2). The pen is made up of four heavy duty panels. Each panel has inter-locking tongue and groove systems that the manufacturers claim makes it quick and easy to assemble.

The company say their reasoning behind this system of housing calves is that bacteria do not have the same ability to grow and spread because calves are in single units with no physical contact to other calves. The penning is suitable for multi-purpose sheds as it can be dismantled quickly and stored elsewhere for the year. There are separate water and feed buckets which help limit the risk of cross contamination. Agri Plastics say this pen makes life easy for the farmer because the front entrance door is large and hard wearing which aids ease of access to calves.

Another feature of this penning system are the rear rotary air vents that can be easily opened or closed. The indoor penning system comes in a range of different styles and features but for a different pen with five foot panels suitable for calves up to five weeks of age

it will cost €275+ VAT which comes standard with two feeding buckets. Reduced rates are available for large purchases. Teemore Engineering are the main distributors in Ireland for Agri-Plastics.

Calf hutches are becoming increasingly popular on calf rearing units. JFC manufacture different types of plastic hutches, some single hutches for rearing calves in the first weeks of life and group hutches for rearing multiple calves at once (see picture 3).

The group hutch pictured accommodates up to eight calves at one time. It is ven­ tilated with an adjustable roof and rear vent. There are two lifting hooks at the top of the hutch to aid transport.

JFC claim that it is a more cost effective and versatile alternative to a permanent shed. The hutch can be bedded with straw or woodchip. The manufacturers say group hutches such as these are ideal for the transitional period when calves come from single units and are introduced to a small batch of calves to aid bonding and help build resistance to disease. This, they claim prepares calves for introduction to larger groups.

The large group hutch has a recommended retail price (RRP) €1,300 including VAT and can accommodate up to eight calves. JFC also sell a small hutch for four or five calves and that is priced at €650 including VAT.

A first version of this article was published in January 2015