Question

Describe five design requirement of a calf pen.

Answer 1

• Concrete or slatted  floors.  For easy cleaning
• Dry litter to provide warm and dry conditions/dry and warm to discourage infections.
• Spacious (adequate space) to provide room for exercise, feeding and placement of waterers
• Well lit to enhance synthesis of vitamin D for strong bone development.
• Well drained to avoid dampness which may encourage infections ( Accepts examples scours, pneumonia, navel illness.
• Draught free, to avoid chilly conditions that may induce infections.
• Well ventilated, fresh air circulation so as to drive a way bad smells emanating from feacal interacts or ‘droppings’.
• Single housing - to avoid spread of worms /diseases/prevent formulation of hair balls the rumen due to licking of hair from one another.
• Movable (mobile)_ pens - Moving to fresh grounds to reduce fresh infections