By Blake Jackson
Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) - a costly enemy of young cattle, causing £50 million annual losses in the UK. But before next spring's calving season hits, farmers can combat this threat by improving ventilation in existing calf housing.
Why ventilation? Poor air circulation traps harmful pathogens and gases, breeding ground for BRD. Scott Gearon, from Galebreaker, explains the impact: "Even if a calf recovers, BRD's lifetime cost is £722 due to treatment delays and reduced milk yields." For beef calves, it's worse - up to 6kg monthly growth loss and 21kg lighter carcasses.
Don't underestimate older sheds. With some tweaks, they can become havens, not hazards. Gearon emphasizes: "Improve ventilation now to protect your productivity next year."
Start by understanding the air flow. A smoke test is your best friend. Watch where the smoke goes - within 2-3 minutes, it should clear through the roof vents or sides. Ideally, air should move at 0.2 meters per second at calf height. Faster is a draught, slower is stagnant. Calves avoiding areas point to drafts, fixable with draught excluders or windbreaks.
Consider a positive pressure tube ventilation (PPTV) system, like Galebreaker's VentTube Fresh. It pumps fresh air directly to where calves need it most. Studies show a PPTV system can reduce BRD outbreaks by 40%, meaning 12% fewer pneumonia cases in a group of 100 calves compared to 20% without the system.
Better ventilation equals healthier calves, higher profits. Gearon concludes: "Taking proactive steps now significantly reduces BRD risks and costs, ensuring stronger calves and safeguarding your farm's future."
Photo Credit: gettyimages-diane-kuhl
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Dairy Cattle