A Dairy NZ and AgResearch study last spring found “no detrimental effects” to calves raised on river stones and that MAF Animal Welfare (Dairy Cattle) Code of Welfare minimum standards for housing calves were met, says Dairy NZ’s animal husbandry and welfare team leader Nita Harding.
The study was on a commercial farm near Mossburn, Southland, with four pens of five calves stocked at one per 2m sq, the recommended density for calves on stones. The stones were 3cm round and laid 20cm deep. A corresponding number of calves were reared on sawdust, with calves’ health, behaviour, and environment on both floorings evaluated at one and six weeks of age.
“Both [mobs] grew at the same rate and both bedding materials were relatively dry and clean throughout the study period,” says Harding.
“We now have to go back and investigate the effects of rearing calves on river stones at different stocking rates, as this is likely to be more relevant to commercial conditions.”
Studies this year include more detailed examination of calf behaviour, health and growth.
With calf rearing underway, Harding says remember bedding is only one part of a successful system.
“No matter what type of bedding is used, it is important that a plan is in place that takes into account all aspects of calf care. This includes making sure staff are adequately trained, calf feeding and health care is adequate, and that calf rearing facilities are well-prepared.”
