Calf jackets contribute positively to calf growth
With the onset of autumn, it is up to dairy farmers to pay extra attention to youngstock care. Calves are more vulnerable to cold, which can inhibit optimal growth. The use of calf jackets plays an important role in this.
A calf has a thermoneutral zone — the temperature range in which it maintains its body temperature without expending extra energy. For calves younger than three weeks, this zone lies between 15 and 25 °C, with a lower critical temperature (LCT) of 9–15 °C. Below this threshold, calves use more energy to stay warm, and this comes at the expense of growth and health.
Increased growth
Wearing calf jackets helps calves retain body heat, meaning they expend less energy on thermoregulation. Studies show that calves wearing jackets during their first weeks grow, on average, 0.14 to 0.23 kg more per day than calves without jackets. Over a two-week period, that can result in almost 3 kg extra weight gain.
Tips for using calf jackets:
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Dry & clean: ensure the calf is dry before putting on a jacket. Use a heat lamp or towel if needed
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Watch for sweating: a wet coat can lead to cooling at low temperatures
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Proper fit: pick a jacket that fits well from neck to tail. Adjustable straps help accommodate growth
Deep bedding
Besides jackets, a thick, dry straw bed is essential in cold periods for young calves. Straw acts as insulation, retains body heat, and minimizes heat loss through the floor. Elevated lying areas and proper drainage in the housing further help to keep the bed dry. Together with calf jackets, these measures support better growth, health, and animal welfare.
Curious how Topcalf’s indoor or outdoor calf housing solutions can support healthy, resilient calves even in winter?
Get in touch via info@topcalf.nl