First care calf hutch
The Topcalf First Care Box is the ideal mobile calf pen. Immediately after birth, the calf can be placed in the First Care Box to ensure minimal contact with pathogens in the calving barn.
With the side panel open, the box can then be positioned in front of the feed fence, allowing the mother cow to put her head through the feed barrier and lick her calf dry. After the calf has been cleaned and dried, the partially open side panel can be closed again by replacing the upper section, and the calf box can be moved.
β Quality β The galvanized steel ensures a long service life
β Combination β The calf housing combines a calving pen with a standard individual calf pen
β Mobile β Easy to move thanks to swivel castors
β Improved start for the calf β The cow can lick the calf clean after birth, stimulating breathing and blood circulation
β Efficient barn cleaning β Mechanical manure removal is possible thanks to the concrete foundation wall, saving time and labor
The advantage of the First Care system
With the First Care calf hutch it’s possible to keep the newborn calf in the same hutch until they’re held in a group. This way the calf stays safe from harmful herms and the calf is fully protected against draughts. When the mother cow is at the feed fence, the cow can be easily milked.
FAQ
What is the difference between a calving barn and a calving box?
A calving barn is the space in which cows calve, usually a spacious pen with straw. A calving box is a specific facility within or next to this barn, in which the newborn calf is received directly after birth. The First Care Calving Box combines this reception function with an individual box for the first rearing phase.
Why is a separate calving box important?
In the calving barn the infection pressure is often high due to the presence of multiple animals and manure. A newborn calf has not yet built up its own resistance at that point. A separate, clean calving box reduces contact with pathogens and thereby lowers the risk of illness in the first weeks of life.
Can the mother cow lick the calf clean in the First Care Calving Box?
Yes. The box is placed with the open side facing the feed fence, allowing the cow to put her head through the feed fence and lick the calf dry. This licking stimulates the breathing and blood circulation of the calf and strengthens the bond between cow and calf.
Can the First Care Calving Box also be used as an individual box?
Yes. The two-part side wall can easily be closed after licking dry by replacing the upper half. From that moment the box functions as a fully-fledged individual box, allowing the calf to remain in the same box during the first weeks of life. This saves a move and reduces stress.
Is the First Care Calving Box easy to clean?
The box is fitted with removable floors and a galvanised frame with recessed metal, which simplifies cleaning. In addition, the concrete foundation wall allows mechanical mucking out, which saves considerable time and labour compared to manual cleaning.
What is included as standard with the First Care Calving Box?
The First Care Calving Box is supplied with a galvanised frame, a two-part side wall, removable floors, swivel wheels and the necessary accessories. Everything is included so that the box can be put into use immediately.
For what farm size is the First Care Calving Box suitable?
The First Care Calving Box is suitable for dairy farms of varying sizes. Because the box is mobile and can be used both as a calving box and as an individual box, it fits both smaller family farms and larger dairy farms where many calves are born per year.
