The first of two webinars as part of CalfCare virtual week took place Monday, January 18. The webinar focused on calf housing and preparing for the calving season.

Speaking at the event Charles Chavasse, area veterinary manager, livestock team with Zoetis, outlined some of the key aspects of a good calf shed, including the use of Yorkshire boarding.

Yorkshire boarding increases the amount of air that enters the shed; this type of boarding keeps rain out, while also maximising the air in the shed.

Normally, Yorkshire boarding consists of two rows of boards (6in). A 2in gap is left between the boards and the rows are normally 2in apart.

This method allows air to enter through the boarding and exits through an adequate-sized outlet at the apex, bringing any diseases with it.

Charles also highlighted the five key areas that farmers need to provide for calves.

Calf sheds should be cleaned out regularly throughout the period that calves are housed. When cleaning out calf sheds many farmers are tempted to wash the floor with a high volume hose, before applying lime.

Charles says to avoid using this practice. “Avoid using water when cleaning out calf sheds, by doing this you’re adding water to the environment.

”Bugs cannot survive in a dry environment; bugs and virus don’t have wings they rely on moisture to survive.”

Charles added: ”Using water to clean the calf shed also reduces the temperature of the shed, making the calves colder.

”Cleaning out all the old bedding and applying a fresh dusting of lime, before adding in fresh bedding is sufficient.”