Hygiene, Hygiene, Hygiene

Moisture

"Removing moisture from calf housing is so important. Not only does moisture harbour infection but it also reduces a calf's Lower Critical Temperature (LCT) - the temperature at which the calf has to burn extra energy to keep warm. Look to cut channels and cast drains in housing you know harbours standing water and you need at least a 1:20 slope to drain under straw.

Temperature

"The LCT is somewhere around 15°C for a calf and even lower for a new born. Add a draught and/or moisture and it falls even lower. Make sure calves have plenty to eat and are away from draughts. Consider using calf jackets but make sure they are breathable and can be washed at over 60°c. Heat lamps are a simple, hygienic way are a simple, hygienic way of adding heat to calf pens and can be controlled by a thermostat.

Fresh air

"Fresh air kills airborne pathogens 20 times faster than still air does but it is important to get that combination of clean air in, stale air out without causing a draught or allowing too much moisture to enter the building," said Jamie. "Proper Yorkshire boarding, with two lines of boarding with gaps offset, is the best way to do this."

"Calves don't create the heat necessary for the stack effect in still, stale areas but an upstand on the ridge creates a negative pressure and sucks the air out of the building. Fans can also be used as long as all parts of the building are reached and stale air has the opportunity to exit the building," he concluded.