Innovative solutions for successful calf rearing
Calf rearing is a central part of cattle rearing and requires special attention and care. It is the foundation for rearing healthy and successful animals. Important aspects here include the housing and feeding of the calves.
Calf housing is more than just accommodation - it is the home of calves
In modern dairy farming, calves are usually kept separate from the rest of the herd.
There are reasons for this: For the best possible development of the immune system, the germ pressure in the calf area should be kept as low as possible. And calves' requirements of their environment are also different from those of growing or adult cattle.
Adult cattle have no problem with cool temperatures; on the contrary, they can experience heat stress at temperatures as low as 20 °C. Calves, on the other hand, like it a little warmer, but always need access to fresh air.
There is no one right type of housing for calves. Optimal housing depends on many different factors on the farm. We would like to show you some aspects of the right calf housing below.
Information on the different types of husbandry
Calf rearing in individual housing
In nature, cows deliberately move away from their herd to give birth. The calf is born without an immune system and has to develop it first. After a few days, when the calf's immune system has been fundamentally established, the cow brings it back to the herd.
This behaviour can be adapted by initially keeping the calves individually in calf igloos or individual boxes. According to current regulations, individual housing is permitted for up to eight weeks, but in practice group housing is usually implemented earlier.
Calf rearing in group housing
Calves are social creatures. For many years, studies have shown that keeping calves in groups has a positive effect on their health, social behaviour and feeding behaviour: calves kept together in calf boxes or hutches showed less stress at weaning, better feed intake and weight gain and were fitter overall.
Whether calves are initially kept individually for fear of pathogens or in groups to take account of their natural social behaviour is currently still at the farmer's decision.
Different types of housing
Modern calf boxes: safe and comfortable accommodation for your calves
Calf boxes are generally set up indoors, but at least under cover. The entire area of the calf box is littered. Our calf boxes 14610, 14611 and Calf Box Premium 14616 have a raised floor grille that allows liquids to drain away.
The modular calf box can be easily assembled and dismantled on flat surfaces and can be stacked to save space when not in use. Calf boxes are available for both individual and group housing.
Calf igloos: protection and well-being for young animals during rearing
Calf igloos are characterised by the fact that the bedded lying area is covered and an open area in front of it offers the calves additional space. They can be set up outdoors, but additional weather protection must be provided depending on the weather conditions.
As a rule, the igloos are set up directly on the appropriate surface. There are calf igloos for individual housing and larger igloos for group housing.
Modular fence stabling: flexible and efficient calf accommodation
The modular fence stabling system is a flexible housing system for calves in group housing. The stabling is set up indoors or in covered areas. As a rule, the entire surface of the stable is littered. If the stable is not needed, it can be stored to save space.
Animal Welfare Regulation
Suitable in accordance with conventional animal welfare regulations
National regulations specify how long and in what minimum areas calves may be kept. Our calf hutches and boxes as well as our modular fenced housing comply with these regulations and are optimally designed to meet the requirements of calf rearing.
Single Housing
From the age of 8 weeks, group housing is necessary except in exceptional cases.
ChatGPT
| Age Calf | PE UV+ | Premium Plus | Master Plus | Box small | Box big | Calf Box Premium | Modular Calf Box - single box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 2 weeks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2 - 8 weeks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Group Housing
The following tables show the maximum permissible number of animals in the respective accommodation, according to the current legal provisions (as of January 2024):
Large-capacity calf hutches
| Weight in kg | Premium Duo | Premium XL | Premium XL with catch grille | Dual Set Premium XL | Premium XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 150 | Up to 3 animals (up to 8 weeks) | 5 animals | Up to 3 animals (up to 8 weeks) | 10 animals | 7 animals |
| 150 - 220 | Up to 3 animals (up to 8 weeks) | 5 animals | Up to 2 animals (up to 8 weeks) | 10 animals | 7 animals |
| > 220 | Up to 3 animals (up to 8 weeks) | 4 animals | Up to 2 animals (up to 8 weeks) | 9 animals | 7 animals |
Multiple stalls
| Weight in kg | Modular Double Calf Box | Double Calf Box | Modular Calf Box* | Calf Box ** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 150 | 2 animals (up to 2 weeks) | 2 animals (up to 2 weeks) | Up to 3 animals (up to 8 weeks) | Up to 3 animals (up to 8 weeks) |
| 150 - 220 | Up to 3 animals (up to 8 weeks) | 2 animals (up to 8 weeks) |
* Set of 3 interconnected boxes
** consisting of 3 interconnected boxes
Modular fence stabling
| Weight in kg | Single Set for 3-pce Calf Group | Single Set for 5-pce Calf Group | Twin Pack for 2 x 3-pce Calf Group | Twin Pack for 2 x 5-pce Calf Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 150 | up to 3 animals (up to 8 weeks) | 5 animals | 6 animals | 10 animals |
| 150 - 220 | up to 3 animals (up to 8 weeks) | 4 animals | 6 animals | 8 animals |
| > 220 | up to 3 animals (up to 8 weeks) | 4 animals | 6 animals | 8 animals |
Austria
Single Housing
From the age of 8 weeks, group housing is necessary except in exceptional cases.
| Age Calf | PE UV+ | Premium Plus | Master Plus | Calf box small | Calf box large | Calf Box Premium | Modular Calf Box - single box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 2 weeks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2 - 8 weeks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Group Housing
The following tables show the maximum permissible number of animals in the respective accommodation, according to the current legal provisions (as of January 2024):
Large-capacity calf hutches
| Weight in kg | Premium Duo | Premium XL | Premium XL with catch grille | Dual Set Premium XL | Premium XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 150 | 3 animals | 5 animals | 2 animals | 10 animals | 7 animals |
| 150 - 220 | 3 animals | 4 animals | 2 animals | 9 animals | 7 animals |
| > 220 | 2 animals | 4 animals | 2 animals | 8 animals | 7 animals |
The following tables show the maximum permissible number of animals in the respective accommodation, according to the current legal provisions (as of January 2024):
Multiple stalls
| Weight in kg | Modular Double Calf Box | Double Calf Box | Modular Calf Box* | Calf Box ** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 150 | 3 animals | 2 animals | 3 animals | 3 animals |
| 150 - 220 | 2 animals | ❌ | 3 animals | 2 animals |
* Set of 3 interconnected boxes
** consisting of 3 interconnected boxes
Modular fence stabling
| Weight in kg | Single Set for 3-pce Calf Group | Single Set for 5-pce Calf Group | Twin Pack for 2 x 3-pce Calf Group | Twin Pack for 2 x 5-pce Calf Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 150 | 3 animals | 4 animals | 6 animals | 9 animals |
| 150 - 220 | 3 animals | 4 animals | 6 animals | 8 animals |
| > 220 | 2 animals | 3 animals | 5 animals | 7 animals |
Single Housing
From the age of 2 weeks, group housing is necessary except in exceptional cases.
| Age Calf | PE UV+ | Premium Plus | Master Plus | Calf box small | Calf box large | Calf Box Premium | Modular Calf Box - single box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 3 weeks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4 weeks - 4 months | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Group Housing
The following tables show the maximum permissible number of animals in the respective accommodation, according to the current legal provisions (as of January 2024):
Large-capacity calf hutches
| Age / Weight | Premium Duo | Premium XL | Dual Set Premium XL | Premium XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 3 weeks | 3 animals | 4 animals | 8 animals | 8 animals |
| 4 weeks - 4 months | 2 animals | 3 animals | 6 animals | 5 animals |
| Over 4 months and up to 200 kg | ❌ | 2 animals | 4 animals | 4 animals |
The following tables show the maximum permissible number of animals in the respective accommodation, according to the current legal provisions (as of January 2024):
Multiple stalls
| Age / Weight | Modular Double Calf Box | Double Calf Box | Modular Calf Box* | Calf Box ** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 4 months | 2 animals | 2 animals | 3 animals | 3 animals |
* Set of 3 interconnected boxes
** consisting of 3 interconnected boxes
Modular fence stabling
| Age / Weight | Single Set for 3-pce Calf Group | Single Set for 5-pce Calf Group | Twin Pack for 2 x 3-pce Calf Group | Twin Pack for 2 x 5-pce Calf Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 3 weeks | 6 animals | 8 animals | 12 animals | 16 animals |
| 4 weeks - 4 months | 4 animals | 5 animals | 8 animals | 10 animals |
| over 4 months and up to 200 kg | 3 animals | 4 animals | 6 animals | 8 animals |
Netherlands | Belgium | Italy | Finland
Source:
NL: Besluit houders van dieren,
BE: Arrêté royal relatif à la protection des veaux dans les élevages de veaux,
IT: DECRETO LEGISLATIVO 7 luglio 2011, n. 126,
FI: Valtioneuvoston asetus nautojen suojelusta
Single Housing
From the age of 2 weeks, group housing is necessary except in exceptional cases. The dimensions of the single housing are based on the following specifications:
| Inner length | Inside width |
|---|---|
| Calf length x 1.1 | At least withers height |
With our CalfHouse series you can usually house your calves up to 8 weeks.
Internal dimensions of the housing systems:
Calf box small = 130 x 85 cm
Calf box large, calf box Premium = 160 x 100 cm
Modular calf box = 160 x 116 cm
Master Plus = 186 x 104 cm (hutch) + 133 x 105 cm (run)
Premium Plus = 196 x 104 cm (hutch) + 133 x 105 cm (run)
PE UV+ = 195 x 103 cm (hutch) + 134 x 105 cm (run)
Group Housing
The following tables show the maximum permissible number of animals in the respective accommodation, according to the current legal provisions (as of January 2024):
Large-capacity calf hutches
| Weight in kg | Premium Duo | Premium XL | Premium XL with catch grille | Dual Set Premium XL | Premium XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 150 | 3 animals | 5 animals | 3 animals | 10 animals | 7 animals |
| 150 - 220 | 3 animals | 5 animals | 2 animals | 10 animals | 7 animals |
| > 220 | 3 animals | 4 animals | 2 animals | 9 animals | 7 animals |
The following tables show the maximum permissible number of animals in the respective accommodation, according to the current legal provisions (as of January 2024):
Multiple stalls
| Weight in kg | Modular calf box - double box | Double calf box | Modular Calf Box* | Calf Box ** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 150 | 2 animals | 2 animals | 3 animals | 3 animals |
| 150 - 220 | 2 animals | ❌ | 3 animals | 2 animals |
| > 220 | 2 animals | ❌ | 3 animals | 2 animals |
* Set of 3 interconnected boxes
** consisting of 3 interconnected boxes
Modular fence stabling
| Weight in kg | Single Set for 3-pce Calf Group | Single Set for 5-pce Calf Group | Twin Pack for 2 x 3-pce Calf Group | Twin Pack for 2 x 5-pce Calf Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 150 | 4 animals | 5 animals | 8 animals | 10 animals |
| 150 - 220 | 3 animals | 4 animals | 6 animals | 8 animals |
| > 220 | 3 animals | 4 animals | 6 animals | 8 animals |
Basic EC Organic Regulation
Suitable for organic farming
Our calf hutches are also suitable for organic farms in accordance with the EU Organic Farming Regulation (2018/848) in conjunction with the Implementing Regulation (2020/464).
Single Housing
After 1 week of life, group housing is necessary, unless individual housing is justified for individual animals for veterinary reasons and is limited in time
| Weight in kg | PE UV+ | Premium Plus | Master Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| up to 100 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Group Housing
The following tables show the maximum permissible number of animals in the respective accommodation, according to the current legal provisions (as of January 2024):
| Weight in kg | Double calf box | Premium XL | Dual Set Premium XL | Premium XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 100 | 2 animals | 3 animals | 6 animals | 6 animals |
| up to 200 | ❌ | ❌ | 3 animals | 3 animals |
| up to 350 | ❌ | ❌ | 2 animals | 2 animals |
Local animal welfare regulations must be observed!
Discover our high-quality calf boxes for single and group housing!
Optimum comfort and animal welfare for calves
Stay flexible with modular calf boxes. This innovative calf housing system allows you to combine individual and group housing in a single calf box. This leaves all your options open and you are ideally equipped for the future.
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The modular calf boxes from Kerbl
The boxes can be stacked free-standing or attached to a wall. The panels are quickly and easily set up by a single person, and can be combined into one or more boxes. You can start with individual pens, and easily create small groups by removing the side walls between adjacent boxes.
Dismantling and cleaning
The handles on the panels are large enough to fit onto pallet forks. The panel surfaces are easy to clean. The new unique stacking system allows space-saving sorting and storage of the panels, including the door element.
- stable,hot dip-galvanised metal frame
- robust plastic with stiffening ribs
- easy-to-clean walls with smooth surface
- social contact opening in the area of the side walls allows the calf contact with other calves
- front element with swivel-mounted revolving door and fixed drinking area, perfect for teaching calves to suckle
- includes a watering bucket mounting bracket and two foldable bucket brackets
- Feeding places can be individually blocked
- carrying handle for manual transport
- Can be transported with pallet forks
- single-handed unlocking
- new unique stacking system
- Bucket not included
Single housing for calves
Mucking out made easy with the Premium calf box
Thanks to the swivel floor, the Calf Box Premium can be quickly mucked out and conveniently cleaned. Lowering the front loader automatically locks the folding floor. The two-part door is ideal for teaching calves to use the feeding pail. The farmer can leave the box without disturbing the calf as it drinks.
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Calf boxes standard
- Raised grill allows liquids to drain off optimally
- Easy-to-clean side walls made of PVC panels with a smooth surface
- Can be transported with a pallet fork
- Roof and transport mechanism available as optional extras
- Roof with adjustable inclination.
Easily convert to a double calf box for group housing with the extension set
New: Kerbl single calf boxes can now be easily converted into a group box
Connect two fully-fledged single calf boxes with the extension set to form a double box. You can raise two or three calves in pairs or groups. Pair or group rearing has many advantages, such as faster growth, better feed intake and better social behaviour. If you already have two or more Kerbl calf boxes, you can combine them with the
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Calf Igloo CalfHouse from Kerbl
Calf hutches combine all the advantages needed to give calves the best possible start.
Calf houses combine all advantages to give calves an optimal start. The calf houses offer protection from all weather conditions at all times of the year. At the same time, air circulation is promoted by the rising roof slopes and ventilation openings, which reduces germ pressure and creates the best possible microclimate. The run offers outdoor climate stimuli and extends the spacious space available. Therefore, calf houses from Kerbl are also suitable for use in ecological/organic animal husbandry without restrictions! In science and practice, calf houses are considered the optimal housing system, both during individual and group housing.
Animal-Friendly Design
Optimal climate – both in summer and winter
Sheltered and spacious
- high insulation and UV protection due to high-quality materials
- ncreasing roof slope with ventilation openings ensure optimum air circulation so that humid air can heat escape at the top
- pure white surfaces prevent overheating of the interior space
- large dimensions
- fencing with minimal spacing between the vertical struts and side guards to prevent injuries
- smooth interior surfaces prevent licking of material fibres, facilitate cleaning and thus significantly improve hygienic conditions
High stability
- high-quality materials ensure breakage safety and impact resistance as well as a long service life for the Calf House
- Uniform wall thickness and side stability arches increase durability, and also offer additional torsional stiffness
- robust, galvanised fencing
- side guards provide the fencing with additional stability
Fencing can be folded over the calf house to clean the forecourt
Revolving door facilitates access to the animal. The revolving door can optionally also be placed in the calf house entrance to lock the calf in
Calf house can be moved forward into the fence for bedding, cleaning and moving
Large solid rubber tyres with needle bearing enable easy moving even with difficult ground conditions
Handle for easier lifting of the hutch
Floor-level threshold at the fence enables unobstructed entrance for people and animals
Multifunctional revolving doors:
- Flex rail (a) with drinking bucket and bucket safety catch (b), 2 feed openings (c), with hinged bucket holders for feed buckets
- The high position of the feed bucket promotes the natural stretching of the neck, so that the milk can pass directly into the abomasum
- The bucket’s inclined position ensures it is fully emptied
- Flex rail for variable mounting of the bucket holder and the optional dry feed bottle holder
Side guards stop calves from slipping through and lend additional stability
Lightweight or heavy fence
The fencing is available in a lightweight design for all single-calf houses. The reduced weight makes it easier to lift the fence and to reposition the house integrated in the fence, while also offering a high degree of stability. In the case of the CalfHouse Premium Plus, CalfHouse Heavy Plus, CalfHouse Master Plus and CalfHouse PE UV+, the fencing can also be supplied in a heavyweight design. It is extremely robust and its increased weight offers even greater static stability.
Heavyweight fencing with increased material thickness (approx. 45 kg)
Lightweight fencing (approx. 30 kg)
Note: The images shown are exemplary and may vary depending on the design.
Future solutions for calf rearing: discover our calf houses for group housing
Our group calf houses are suitable for small groups of two to three animals and a maximum of five or seven animals.
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CalfHouse Premium Duo
Discover the optimum solution for rearing your calves in pairs or small groups without losing the individual overview: Our innovative CalfHouse Premium Duo calf hutch. With a lying area of 3.2 m² and an outdoor area of 2.55 m², this hutch offers enough space for up to three calves weighing up to 150 kg or alternatively for two calves as part of organic animal husbandry.
- Well conceived room design: The CalfHouse Premium Duo is characterised by its well planned room design, which enables a clear separation between a resting area inside and an active area outside. This structure promotes the well-being and health of your calves by supporting natural behaviour while ensuring safety and comfort.
- Flexible feeding options: The flexible feeding options are a particular highlight: With three drinking and feeding places directly in the door and two more at the corners of the fencing, the hutch can be used in a variety of ways. This enables customisation to the needs of your calves, for example by converting a space in the door for a feed box.
- User-friendly: The construction of the CalfHouse Premium Duo is designed for durability and user-friendliness. Once set up, the hutch requires no further separation. The fencing can simply be folded back and the entire structure can be easily moved with a tractor. The transport rails attached to the roof facilitate transport and handling.
With the CalfHouse Premium Duo calf igloo, you are not only investing in the health and welfare of your calves, but also in the efficient and flexible organisation of your animal housing. Discover the benefits of modern, well-designed accommodation that meets the needs of your calves while minimising the workload for you.
Large-capacity calf hutches CalfHouse Premium XL and CalfHouse Premium XXL
The group calf hutches made of fibreglass-reinforced plastic offer space for several calves (local animal welfare regulations must be observed). The calf hutch with fencing provides an optimum overview and facilitates animal control.
The large-capacity calf hutches offer an outstanding solution for calf rearing that both increases the efficiency of farm operations and supports the welfare of the calves. The key benefits are summarised here:
- Restraining system for flexible handling: The restraining system enables both individual and complete restraining of the calves, which simplifies handling during examinations, treatments or feeding. The individually lockable feeding places with optional feeding place separation offer the possibility to precisely control the feed intake of each individual calf and ensure that all calves have equal access to feed without competition or stress.
- Adjustable feeding space width: The width of the feeding space can be adjusted, allowing it to be customised to the size of the calves.
- Flexible side and catch fence system: The side and catch fences can be arranged as required. The catch fence can be hung back on the hutch and the side fences can be swivelled back against the hutch walls. This facilitates access for maintenance and cleaning work.
- Large entrance door for easy access: The generously designed entrance door not only provides easy access for the animals and staff, but also allows a calf trolley to drive through, which increases the efficiency of feeding and care.
- Reinforcing frame: The reinforcement frame gives the hutch additional stability.
- Pre-drilled holes for a wide range of applications: The skids of the hutch have pre-drilled holes that allow for easy installation of straw catchers and secure floor anchoring. This contributes to the stability of the hut and protects it from shifting due to wind or active calves.
- Easy transport: Thanks to the well thought-out design, the igloo and fencing can be easily transported with a tractor, allowing flexible positioning and a quick response to changing needs or weather conditions.
Overall, our large-capacity calf hutches offer a comprehensive solution that fulfils the latest requirements for calf rearing by combining practical handling with a focus on animal welfare and health.
CalfHouse Premium XL
The CalfHouse Premium XL is for up to 5 calves (local animal welfare regulations must be observed). There is a sliding window at the back, which makes it easier to check on the animals and fill the optional hay rack. The optional canopy offers protection from the weather and sun.
Double set, CalfHouse Premium XL with fencing
Designed as a double set, this large-capacity calf house offers sufficient space for rearing up to 10 calves (local animal welfare regulations must be observed). This enables efficient utilisation of the available space and supports a social rearing environment for the animals.
By simply adding an additional fence element, the double set can be quickly and easily divided into two separate pens. This flexibility facilitates customised care and feeding of the calf groups and can contribute to disease prevention.
Flexibility facilitates customised care and feeding of the calf groups and can contribute to disease prevention.
Suitable in accordance with animal welfare regulations:
Our calf igloos and boxes comply with animal welfare regulations and are optimally designed to meet the requirements of calf rearing.
CalfHouse Premium XXL
The CalfHouse Premium XXL offers space for up to 7 calves (local animal welfare regulations must be observed). The rotating ventilation disc regulates the air circulation in the rear area of the calf hutch.