Occupational materials in the calf pen prevent undesirable behaviour and promote social and play behaviour.
Mutual sucking and licking of objects is often caused when young animals are reared without a mother, as the need to suck is not yet sufficiently satisfied. The sucking can cause health-related problems in the calves, such as digestive disorders, impaired growth and teat injuries.
To ensure the vitality of the calves, this need of the animals must be met. With the appropriate occupational material, boredom is reduced and curiosity is positively challenged. In addition, the playful interaction between the animals in a group is positively influenced. Sufficient occupational material in the calf pen accustoms the animals to different objects. As a result, calves learn to deal with new situations and objects, which leads to less stress for the animals later on.