Keeping calves in pairs: a good alternative?

Keeping calves in pairs works positively with the right approach! 

Is keeping young calves in pairs a good alternative to individual housing? Several research institutes investigated the advantages and disadvantages. In addition, more and more dairy farms are practising it and sharing their experiences. The first results look positive. Yet it also brings challenges for the farmer. Duo housing is a workable solution, but there are still important things to consider as a farmer. 

Newborn calves are often housed individually for the first few weeks of life. In Germany, farmers have to keep their calves in a group from the third week of life for better animal welfare. In countries such as Ireland, Greece and Spain, most farms immediately place newborn calves in a group. Growing up together helps to establish ranking and learn herd behaviour from an early age. This makes the transition to a larger group less stressful and limits mutual competition, which promotes growth and development. This behavioural development is well reflected in the herd as a heifer and in the following lactation stages. 

‘Young learned is useful for the future” 

Social contact has a positive effect on health, behaviour and performance. As with humans and other animals, ‘young learned is useful and an adult (cow)’. Even though calves spend very little time in social interaction in the first eight weeks of life (about 2% of the day), it is very important for their future growth. Research shows that calves grow better and behave better when housed in pairs rather than alone, which has clear benefits. The table summarises the effects, with the direction of the arrow indicating a positive (green) or negative (red) relationship. The horizontal bar (orange) indicates no correlation. 

Active monitoring is important

Two reasons for housing calves individually in the first weeks of life are the frail immune system and mutual sucklers. Dual housing offers advantages, but also brings challenges for the farmer. Such as providing suitable housing and actively monitoring animal health. In case of disease symptoms, it is important to check the calf immediately and treat it if necessary. In addition, the farmer must keep the animal separate to prevent healthy calves from becoming infected.

Preventing mutual suckling

By nature, calves have a suckling need. If they cannot suck sufficiently through a teat, they may show this behaviour to each other. Resulting in injuries or infections to the udder, navel or ears of other calves, or it develops into an unwanted habit. To prevent this, there are a number of possible solutions:

• Provide milk through a teat bucket instead of a regular bucket
• Give calves more frequent feedings with smaller portions of milk
• Offer calves a variety of distractions, such as dummies, licking stones or play material

It is also important that calves get enough milk. The recommended milk quantity depends on several factors. Together with your young animal specialist, look for a suitable feeding schedule for your herd.