HEALTH CALF REARING
Temperature checks key to optimising calf environment What can producers learn from the poultry sector to help take calf rearing and disease prevention to the next level? Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is exploring this question, as part of its #Calfmatters campaign. TEXT RACHAEL PORTER
P
roducers know that well-ventilated and draughtfree housing is key to disease prevention and achieving optimal growth rates in young calves. But less is known about the impact of temperature and humidity or, more importantly, how to monitor and control these two factors. So Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, in conjunction with PrognostiX, a veterinary business specialising in poultry data collection and analysis, has set up dairy unit trials involving sophisticated temperature and humidity sensors developed for use in the poultry industry. The work will continue into 2021 and Prognostix’s specialist poultry vet Barry Thorp says that the findings will highlight areas where dairy producers can improve calf
Barry Thorp: “Look more closely at humidity and temperature in calf buildings” 14
cowmanagement JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
environment and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) control. In poultry houses everything from temperature and ventilation through to feed and water are constantly and consistently monitored and managed. “This keeps disease and associated growth checks and mortality rates at bay in poultry production systems, and is key to maximising health and welfare,” says Boehringer Ingelheim’s vet adviser Ailsa Milnes. So, logic says that there’s much to be gained from better management of the calf environment. Good building design is critical and of particular relevance to pneumonia control in young stock. There are two key functions here – ventilation and thermal control. Ventilation is vital to remove excess heat and water from buildings. It also removes micro-organisms, dust and toxic gases such as ammonia, and provides fresh air. “Thermal control is also important for disease prevention, health and production efficiency,” adds Dr Milnes. Recent work, carried out at the University of Nottingham, revealed that environmental conditions, particularly temperature, play a significant role in calf mortality rates. “All animals have a thermoneutral zone – a temperature at which they require no energy for maintaining body
