Efficient Calf Management

© DeLaval International AB, Tumba, Sweden.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, in any form or by
any means, without the permission of the publisher.

This publication has been printed on paper which follows the recommenda-
tions made by the Swedish Environment Federation.
Calf breeding works!
Computerised calf breeding is here to stay

Computerised calf
The health of calves depends heavily on the level of care they receive. breeding is here to
Research shows that computerised milk feeding systems can improve health, stay
reduce labour and significantly increase growth.

Automatic feeding systems reduce the time for labour-intensive actions and
give the farmer time to concentrate on important details such as feed intake
and the general condition of the animals.

However, success with any system will require good sanitation, housing and
ventilation, as well as attention to detail.

This booklet describes DeLaval keeping and feeding concepts and provides
hints and suggestions for healthy, successful and profitable calf breeding.

Your calves in focus

3
List of contents

I. Healthy calves – a must ........................................................ 6

…they are tomorrow’s dairy cows

II. Calf breeding starts in the womb ..................................... 8

– Correct feeding of the cow determines the calf’s start in life

III. For a successful birth .......................................................... 10

– Keep your cows in comfortable surroundings

IV. The colostrum period ........................................................... 12

– In the beginning, calves are defenceless

V. The digestion system of the calf ........................................ 14

– It is knowledge that helps you avoid breeding mistakes

VI. Calf breeding developments ................................................ 16

– Single boxes and buckets are out

VII. Computer-controlled feeding .............................................. 18

– A concept for success

VIII. What system do you need?................................................... 20

– The DeLaval calf feeders CF300A also take care of your cows
IX. Do you want to use milk replacer? .............................. 22
– We can provide you with a customised solution

X. Milk replacer and fresh milk together ........................ 24

– Our combi machines offer greatest flexibility

XI. Are you feeding milk from a tank?.............................. 26

– We can offer you three different systems

XII. DeLaval calf feeders ............................................................. 28

– Protects the calves and speeds up the learning period

XIII. So you want to optimise your calf handling .................. 30

XIV. If your calves do not only feed on milk ........................... 32
– Our concentrate feeder gives additional benefits

XV. Use medicine and additives with care ............................. 34

– Use a dosing dispensers accurate dispensing

XVI. Customer value ....................................................................... 36

– Let’s summarise the benefits of automatic calf feeding

4
List of contents

XVII. What is the bottom line? ............................................................ 38

– Calf feeders pay

XVIII. Anything more we can do for you? ........................................ 40

– Service is our best product

XIX. Calf pen planning guide.................................................... 41

– For the design and construction of single and group pens

XX. Design of single pens for indoor use ...................................... 42

XXI. Examples of outdoor hutches .................................................. 43
XXII. Quick guide to different group pen configurations 44
XXII.1 Single-bay pen with deep litter ............................................. 46
XXII.2 Two-bay pen with deep litter and full feeding space ............ 47
XXII.3 Two-bay pen with deep straw but reduced feeding space 48
XXII.4 Pen with totally slatted floor ................................................. 49
XXII.5 Cubicle pen with full feeding space ...................................... 50
XXII.6 Cubicle pen with restricted feeding area .............................. 51
XXII.7 Calf barn with outdoor climate condition ............................. 52

XXIII. General recommendations for calf barn and equipment .. 54

XXIV. Minimum standards for the protection of calves ............. 55

XXV. Appendix ......................................................................................... 59

5
I. Healthy calves – a must

…they are tomorrow’s ...they are tomorrow’s dairy cows

dairy cows The farmer who wants to produce milk and beef profitably must increase the
productivity of his animals and have total control over production costs.

This should be considered during the breeding of calves. Only healthy calves
that are kept and fed correctly produce what is expected from them, whether as
milk cows or for beef production.

It pays to treat your

calves correctly

Calves are like children and should be treated as such.

However, quite often calves are kept in narrow, poorly air-conditioned or damp
boxes. Also, they are often neither fed nor supervised with the necessary care.
This results in poor calf health and considerable financial losses.

6
 Avoid diseases! Avoid diseases!
There are big differences in calf losses between poorly and well-run farms.
Calf diseases, such as diarrhoea and respiratory problems caused by bad barn
conditions or incorrect feeding have a negative effect on the farm’s economic
performance. These diseases lead to reduced growth and high treatment costs,
as healthy calves may also become infected.
% calf losses
Calf losses can be
reduced to less than
15
During 3%
rearing
10

5
Around
birth

good farms bad farms

Don’t feed too much milk!

Many farmers think that high milk rations over a long period are beneficial
for the health and growth of their calves. Trials show, however, that high milk
quantities do not only increase total feed costs but also delay early develop-
ment of the calf into a ruminant.
Daily weight gain (g)

30 kg milk replacer
is enough

Daily weight gain

Milk replacer consumption

MR
Age (days)

Source: Betriebswirtschaffliche Mitteil der LKW, Kiel 2/99

Plan carefully !
Total breeding costs can easily be reduced by careful planning of the calf barn,
adequate keeping conditions and correct feeding of the calves.
7
II. Calf breeding starts in the womb

Correct feeding of the Correct feeding of the cow determines the calf’s start in life
cow determines the During her first lactation phase, a cow has the greatest need of nutrients. If you
calf’s start in life do not give your cows enough feed, you lose milk yield – for each litre reduc-
tion at peak yield, up to 200 litres in total is lost for the lactation.

On the other hand, if cows in late lactation are given too much feed, the risk is
that the cow might get fat and loose optimal body condition for next lactation.
Disturbances of the metabolic process and problems during calving and recov-
ering will be the negative consequences.

Daily gain (kg)

Feed your cows

45
according to their
needs. 40
risk of underfeeding
35

30 risk of overfeeding

25
feed
20 intake
15 milk

10

0
Lactation
(days)
-60 0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Here are some practical guidelines

• During lactation, always feed roughage of the best quality and in sufficient
quantity (free choice). Roughage should then cover maintenance +10 – 12
kg milk.
• Start to feed concentrate 3 weeks before calving, and accustom your cows
gently and continuously to high rations, 10 – 14 kg per day, 50 – 60 days
after calving in order to peak your milk yield.
• Split the concentrate ration into several small portions over the day in order
to stabilise the pH value in the rumen. This will increase total feed intake
as well as milk yield, fat and protein. It will also improve the health and
fertility status of your cows

8
• Consistently reduce the concentrate rations towards the end of lactation and
then consider the higher intake of roughage.

• Dry off your cows 6 – 8 weeks before calving and feed the dried-off cows
for maintenance, plus 4 – 6 kg milk, by offering low energy roughage.

• Prepare your cows the for next lactation 3 weeks before calving. Slowly in
crease concentrate ration to 3 – 4 kg per day

ph-value (acid content in rumen)

Divide the concentrate
rations over the day to
avoid drop of pH value
in rumen.
Concentrate
6 times a day

Twice a day

Time

If you want to improve the profitability of your milk production, start at feeding
— feed costs represent approximately half the total costs. ALPRO computer
feeding in a loose-housing barn, or an automatic feed wagon for concentrate in
a stanchion barn, will help you greatly in your work.

Equipment to help
you.

9
III. For a successful birth

Keep your cows Keep your cows in comfortable surroundings

in comfortable
surroundings The calving period is a critical phase in the lactation circle. A successful start
for cows and calves depends very much on the cow’s surroundings during this
period. It is strongly recommended that cows are separated from the rest of the
herd 2 – 4 days before calving, and that they have a special box with sufficient
space and comfort.

Calving pen

10
The area should be at least 8 – 10 m2 per cow. The floor should be covered
with a deep straw mattress for comfortable calving. Single pens with measure-
ments of 3 x 4 or 4 x 4 metres are suitable, but it is also possible to keep sev-
eral cows in one bigger pen as shown below.

Three cows share a calving pen of Calving pen for sev-

Door 30 m2. There is a connection to a eral cows
second pen which facilitates clean-
ing. In this case, the whole front
part with feeding fence and man-
Deep straw gers is made as a swinging gate
which can be opened for manure
removal. Of course it is also possi-
Water supply ble to clean the pens from the back.

Door
Manger

Calving pen for

one cow

11
IV. The colostrum period

In the beginning, In the beginning, calves are defenceless

calves are defenceless During pregnancy, a calf receives only a small amount of protective substances
via its mother’s blood, so supply must take place via early feeding of colostrum.
Colostrum has a totally different composition than normal milk. In particular,
The build-up of the
immune system.

Resistance built up by the

calf itself (active immunity)
Infection resistance gained via
colostrum (passive immunity)

Age (weeks)

the amount of protein and the vital protective substances albumin and globulin,
are clearly higher.

The first drink of colostrum, 1–2 litres, must be given during the first three
hours of the calf’s life, since its effectiveness thereafter rapidly decreases.

After the first supply, rationed feed is offered twice a day, or a sweet or
sourstore drink from the suction bucket. The daily quantity should be increased
by about 1 litre per day.

In order to have a reserve for calves of heifers as well as from cows from other
herds, colostrum from old cows can be frozen. This colostrom has usually
formed more antibodies against barn specific disease pathogenes.

Colostrum – the ob-

ligatory infection pro- 30
tection.
25
20
15
10
5
0
DM Protein Casein Albumin Fat Lactose Minerals

= Milk = Colostrum

12
The calf box should be light, dry, draught-free and, if possible, separated from
the cowshed in order to diminish the risk of infection.

During the colostrum period, i.e. 5–7 days, calves should preferably be kept in
littered single boxes, which should be in accordance with the new EC direc-
tives, minimum 120 cm long and 90 cm wide.

During the first 4 – 7 Movable single box

days, the calves should be
separated from each other
either in single pens inside
an insulated building

...or in outdoor hutches where temperature is not a problem for the young
calf. Put them on straw bedding and protect them from draughts and damp.

Outdoor hutch

13
V. The digestion system of the calf

It is knowledge that It is knowledge that helps you avoid breeding mistakes

helps you avoid Of a ruminant’s stomach system, only the abomasum is developed at birth. The
breeding mistakes rumen is not yet functioning. Therefore, during its first weeks of life, the calf is
dependent upon milk.

Observe the following points:

• The daily ration should, after a short adaption period, be 6 – 8 litres per
day.
• Several small meals are advantageous, especially in the beginning when the
calf’s abomasum only holds about 2 litres.
• The drinking temperature should be about 38°C for sweet milk. Deviations
from this often lead to diarrhoea. Sour milk can be offered at lower tem-
peratures (15 – 20°C).
• The powder concentration should always be constant, 100 to 120 g milk
replacer per litre of water for rearing calves. Veal calves should be fed with
150 – 180 g milk replacer per litre of water.
• The milk must be free from lumps and always freshly prepared.

Bucket feeding can Small

Abomasum Not this way
create digestion intestine
problems

Rumen
Throat

Abomasum ...but this way

Sucking from teat is Small intestine
the natural behaviour

Throat
Rumen

14
• The milk should, if possible, be given via a nipple, so that it is taken slowly
and more saliva is produced than during bucket sucking. In addition, the
throat flow reflex is strengthened, ensuring that the milk enters the abomas-
um and not the rumen which is still under development.

• From the beginning, in addition to milk, the calves must be offered water
for free intake, e.g. via a bowl they can access.

Sufficient water sup-

ply is vital for the
calves.

• From the second week of life, the calves should also have solid feed, e.g.
concentrate, hay and, if possible, silage. As soon as the calves start to take
these feeds, the milk rations can be reduced correspondingly. By slowly
reducing the milk during a longer period, the calves develop steadily into
ruminants without growth breaks.

Early weaning
educates the calves
into ruminantes.

15
VI. Calf breeding developments

Single boxes and Single boxes and buckets are out of style!
buckets are out of The single boxes have their obvious advantages during the colostrum period.
style! Only here the calves can be individually taken care of during this extremely
important phase.

In single boxes the

calves are isolated
from each other

So, why go to groups?

From the second week of life, calves are preferably kept in groups and fed by
So, why go to groups? computerised automatic feeding system. The calves, kept and fed in this way,
are quiet, calm and cross-nursing is unusual. Of course, calves have social con-
tact like grooming, fighting and so on, but little nursing on each other. If calves
want to nurse, they generally go into the drinking station and nurse on the nip-
ple which is always available.

On the other hand, calves fed by buckets twice a day are very often nursing on
each other, because they drink for only two short periods per day, which does
not satisfy the calf’s sucking reflex.

The advantages of keeping calves in groups are obvious

In groups, the calves can move freely. Skeleton, musculature and vitality are
strengthened. The calves also have the social contact that is very important,
and learn from each other; for example, to eat concentrate and hay.

The utilisation of feed is improved, costs for expensive mil products are re-
duced. Old buildings can be used without heavy costs for reconstruction. When
the calves are kept on straw, costs for insulation drop. It is advised to keep the
calves on straw.

16
When changing to groups, change to automatic computerised feeding When changing to
groups, change to
When feeding the calves with buckets, all calves of a group must drink at the automatic
same time. This requires a large feeding place and increases the building costs. computerised feeding

With year-round calving, the animals in a group must be given different feed
quantities. This might cause problems and disturbances as calves change plac-
es all the time.

When feeding twice a day (bucket feeding), the satisfaction of the natural nurs-
ing reflex of the calves is reduced significantly. Often this causes cross-nurs-
ing. To ensure that animals do not suckle on each other, they have to stay for a
longer time behind the self-locking feeding fence. This considerably affects
the working time.

Group pens enable

the important social
contact between the
calves.

17
VII. Computer-controlled feeding

A successful concept A successful concept

A computerised calf feeder The processor for
consists of 4 main com- controlling the feeder
ponents and data processing

The calf feeder

which prepares
the milk

The milk feeder where

the calf drinks the milk

The transponder
aroundthe calf’s neck
for identification
The calf feeder prepares the ration for each calf:
• always fresh and in the correct way.
• always served at a natural angle.
• always the right amount
• always the correct concentration.
• always at the desired temperature.
• in all different variations of powdered milk, fresh milk and sour milk.

18
You will get a many benefits from your calf feeder
The work is much easier and there is no mixing of milk, no carrying of buck-
ets and no scheduled feeding job is necessary.

Litre/day
• You can program dif-
ferent feeding plans for
rearing and fattening
Drinking curve for calves to be sure that
fattening calves
every calf always gets
the desired amount.

Drinking curve for • Thanks to the accurate

breeding calves rationing of milk, the
calves will start eating
Days concentrate and hay ear-
lier. This will improve
the development of the
animal and reduce feed
costs.

• Calves that develop differently from the rest of the group can still stay on
the group curve. These calves can get an increased (+) or a reduced (-) daily
ration over a certain period, which results in even greater daily gain within
the group.

Litre/day
• A smart alarm system
keeps track of feed in-
take, interrupted visits,
and drinking speed of
each calf. You will get
an early warning from
the feeding computer
whenever a calf does
not feed as normal.

Days

• Calf feeders can be easily integrated into existing buildings. Space at the
feeding table and costly feeding fences and partition walls can be saved on.
This will considerably reduce your total building costs.

19
VIII. What system do you need?

The DeLaval calf The DeLaval calf feeder CF300A also takes care of your cows
feeder CF300A also The ALPRO processor is an important tool for the whole milk production
take care of your cows process. It can serve one or several calf feeders, but also take care of your
cows in many ways, e.g. feeding concentrate via cow feeding stations, control
the milking process, measure the daily milk yield, calculate feed rations, meas-
ure activity and improve overall herd management.

This means a lot of benefits!

• You have to serve only one computer for

calves and cows.
• The ALPRO® processor is extremely
easy and comfortable to use.
• The unique continuous qualification feeding program with rest transfer
ensures regular and stress-free visits to the drinking station, spread over the
whole day. This ensures maximum capacity.
• An exclusive early warning program takes care that all ‘alarm calves’ are
constantly monitored and not only at the end of day.

Buy what you need! The ALPRO® System is modular and can be tailormade
for the individual needs of every single customer. As demands increases, the
system can be simply extended.

The exclusive herd management program

ALPRO® Windows can also be used for
your calves.

The ALPRO® system can serve up to 200

feeders and more than 7000 animals.

20
DeLaval calf feeder CF200+ are designed for all kinds of calves. DeLaval calf feeder
CF200+ are designed
The main feature of stand alone calf feeders is that every machine has a com- for all kinds of calves.
puter ‘on-board’. With unique software, specially designed for calves, the
computer fulfils all your calf feeding demands. It can not, however, be used for
feeding, milking and herd management of dairy cows.

DeLaval calf feeder CF2000 DeLaval calf feeder CF200+

- latest technology - for normal usage.
for intensive usage

Close to calves
The computer is integrated in the calf feeder so it conveniently controls the
calves and takes appropriate measurements if necessary.

Expandable
DeLaval calf feeder can be hooked up to a PC. The calf manger allows control
and input of all relevant data, calculates and displays useful graphs and tables
about feed consumption and total breeding costs of the animals.

21
IX. Do you want to use milk replacer?

We can provide you We can provide you with a customised solution

with a customised DeLaval offers a number of different feeders only for milk replacer.
solution
Milk replacer from the container and water heated to drinking temperature in
the boiler are thoroughly mixed in the mixer. The milk replacer is completely
dissolved in the water and ready for consumption.

For breeding, milk replacer concentration should be about 100 – 130g per litre
of water. It is set in the unit as well as desired drinking temperature which nor-
mally is at 40Cº.

The size of the portion in the mixer is 0.5 litres. According to qualification, a
calf can receive up to 5 portions at one visit of a station.

The mixing of milk Powder

replacer

Mixer

To nipple

Water

When a calf with feed qualification enters, the first 0.5 litre milk portion is
prepared and can be consumed by the calf. The total milk amount per visit de-
pends on how much the calf is qualified for, and how the values for maximum
and minimum are set on the computer, which is either the ALPRO® System
processor or the integrated processor on the stand alone model. By offering
small, individual and freshly-prepared portions, the calves are fed in the best
possible way and any waste of milk is avoided.

22
Powder machines are available in different configurations, depending on the
number of calves to be reared and whether the machine is intended for rearing
or fattening calves.

DeLaval calf feeder

CF300A
Dairy farmers with moderate herd sizes
should use the basic powder machine that
can handle up to 60 calves when using
a feeder with 2 drinking points. DeLaval
calf feeders can be upgraded to 4 drinking
points and serve up to 80 calves.

DeLaval calf feeder

CF200+ parallel
machine

For large herds, or specialised calf set-

ups for beef production, the DeLaval
calf feeder CF200+ powder machine is
available in a heavyduty configuration
with a more powerful heating device
and larger milk replacer container.

23
X. Milk replacer and fresh milk together

Our combi machine Our combi machine offers the greatest flexibility.
offers the greatest
flexibility The combi machine offers many advantages:

• It can feed fresh or sour milk from a storage container.

• It can mix and feed milk replacer milk.

• Its special feature is that it can mix fresh and powdered milk in a range of
mixtures.

Each ration consists of a set percentage of milk, milk replacer and water (pro-
grammable). All animals receive a mixture of milk and powdered milk until
the fresh milk storage is consumed and then the combi automatically changes
over to only milk replacer and water.

The combi machine handles liquid milk and it has a heat exchanger instead
of a boiler. The milk is pumped from a storage tank via a stainless steel tank
through a hot water container, which very gently brings the water to the correct
temperature.

The combi machine Milk powder

Mixer
Heat exchanger
To nipple

Water
Milk Milk pump

Combi is the system to use if you want to use both milk and milk replacer.

The combi, in common with all our other machines, is equipped with addition-
al extra features that will help you in your daily work.

If, over a longer period, no calf drinks, the feeder is cleaned automatically, and
water is forced through the heat exchanger tube.

The daily cleaning work is easy, thanks to a rinsing program and the suction
hose that can be connected and cleaned.

24
 DeLaval calf feeder
300A – combi feeder
with storage container
for milk.

A special feature of the combi machines is that they can adjust the proportion
between fresh milk and powdered milk according to the age of the calves. For
example, younger calves can get a higher percentage of available fresh milk
compared to older ones. If waste milk is fed, the plan can be changed so milk
is only given to male calves and older animals.

% milk
100
Example of milk/milk
replacer share plan
75
Percent milk from
milk replacer
50
Milk

25
% milk

0
7 14 21 28 35 42 49 56 63 71
number of days

25
XI. Are you feeding calves milk from a tank?

We can offer you three We can offer you three different systems:
different systems: DeLaval calf feeders CF300A or CF200+

Two solutions for feeding milk in liquid form only are the DeLaval calf feeder
CF300A and CF200+ units. These machines do not have powder hoppers. The
milk is stored in a container with a stirring and possibly cooling device. The
milk can either be fresh or sour. If milk replacer is to be fed, it has to be pre-
pared with other mixing equipment or by hand.

Calf feeder for milk

only and milk
container

Container
The milk is prepared in the same way
as in the combi. The milk is heated by
a heat exchanger and distributed in
small 0.5 litre portions to the calves.
Working principle for
To nipple
fresh milk machine. Heat-
exchanger

Water-
valve
Water Milk-
Milk pump

Milk valve

The unit enables small investments and can be upgraded to a combi machine
at a later stage. For large installations with more than 80 calves, to be fed with
both fresh milk and powdered milk, it may be more economical to install 1
powder and 1 fresh milk machine instead of 2 combies.
26
DeLaval calf feeder CF100 is another solution
A cold sour storage feeder has in recent years been the first step in simplifying
milk supply for group keeping. The milk is made sour with acids or living cul-
tures. It can be consumed cold and is mixed several days in advance.

The real aim of this procedure, to regulate intake via pH value and the milk
temperature, only succeeds under certain conditions.

DeLaval calf feeder CF100 is a complete feeding unit with feeder, processor,
milk storage container with agitator, heat exchanger, and feed station with
rails. The rations are based on weight and the milk storage container stands on
a scale and feeds the calves with the exact amount of milk at the correct time.

The storage container is connected to the drinking station, via a heat exchanger
(optional) by a tube. The calves are fed with exactly the right amount, as
controlled by the scale and the feed processor, which has several key features.

DeLaval calf feeder

The processor is placed ‘on-board’ CF100 with milk and
the feeder, to provide a good over- concentrate
view of the calves when program-
ming. The program is translated
into many languages and is very
easy to use. Different feeding op-
tions are available, such
as automatic increase
and decrease of the feed
portions (feed plans) and
feeding of concentrate.

The unit is basically de-

signed for sour milk, but
sweet milk and powder
milk can also be used.
The sweet and powdered
milk must be heated to
30 – 35 °C. The powder
milk has to be prepared
by hand in advance and
the cleaning of the unit must be done daily. The unit can easily be updated with
a feeder for concentrate.

27
XII. DeLaval Calf Feeders

Protects the calves Protects the calves and speeds up the learning period
and speeds up the
learning period The feeder is a key part of the system. The design of the entrance, or race,
helps the calves to quickly and easily accept the feeder and peacefully drink
their milk ration.

Calf race

The side rails include galvanised sheeting so that the feeding calf is protected
from stress factors, including other calves. The length offers small calves full
protection. Bigger calves are not completely protected and are sometimes
forced by other calves to leave the feeder. The side rails are adjustable to the
appropriate width, which prevents double occupation of the feeder. A special
identification device at the front of the feeder prevents incorrect identification.
Any animal just outside the feeder will not be identified.

The feeder is delivered with one or two side rails and can be easily adapted to
different barn conditions.

28
For farms that have experienced problems with cross-suckling and calves dis-
turbing each other during feeding (most common with certain mountain breeds,
such as Simmental and Brown Swiss), DeLaval has developed a special protec-
tion device.

Closing device for calf

feeder

When a calf enters the feeder, a movable closing device locks the entrance of the
feeder so the calf can drink without being disturbed. When leaving the feeder,
the calf moves backwards, the closing device opens and the next calf can enter.
Studies show that this equipment can reduce cross suckling by up to 90 %.

Working principle of
closing device.

29
XIII. So, you want to optimise your calf handling?

Each calf feeder is equipped with one drinking nipple in the basic version. This
allows 35 rearing calves or 20 veal calves to be fed.

Several drinking points

It is possible to equip the feeder with more than one drinking point. This is
achieved by the priority control that ensures only one milk valve is open and
only one calf is fed at a time. The calves in the other boxes have to wait until
the first calf has finished its milk ration.

priority control
Working principle
with two nipples.

milk valve

There are several benefits of having two or, for

The DeLaval CF200+, up to 4 drinking points on
one feeder:

• The capacity is increased.

• The calves can be kept
in smaller groups
according to age,
Calf group pens with which will im-
two drinking stations. prove super-
vision and
handling.
• Rearing
calves and
veal calves can
be kept to-
gether and fed
separately by
the same feeder.

30
DeLaval calf feeder
CF200+ can serve up to 4
drinking points and a Group 1 Group 2
maximum of 80 calves.

Feed table Valve block

for 4 nipples

Group 3 Group 4

Swing Gate
If the total number of calves on the feeder does not exceed 30 – 35 rearing
calves, a simple swing gate behind the entrance of the feeder can be used to
separate the calves into two groups. The gate is animal-activated so that calves
from both sides of the fence can use the box one after another and without in-
termixing the two groups.

31
XIV. If your calves do not only feed on milk

...our concentrate ...our concentrate feeder means additional benefits

feeder gives
additional benefits Breeding calves usually only have their milk supply rationed. Roughage and
concentrate are mostly offered ad lib at an early stage to support rumen de-
velopment. If concentrate is freely available in a common manger, the larger
calves eat too much and the smaller ones do not get enough. There is also the
risk that concentrate in the manger might get spoiled over time.

Different concentrate The concentrate

intake for calves. intake differs from
calf to calf. Some
animals start to eat
concentrate from the
second week, while
others need 7– 8
weeks.

Source: University of Kiel

There are many reasons why concentrate intake should be controlled on an

individual basis. This can be done by a feeder that works on a similar principle
to the well-known feeds for cows.

Concentrate is dispensed continuously at a natural rate into the feed trough of

the feed. A sensing device in the bottom of the manger controls the feed dis-
penser, which stops when the required amount is at the bottom of the trough.
This guarantees the feed is always fresh. The food consumption of every calf is
recorded in all calf feeders.

ALPRO controlled
concentrate feeder for
calves

32
Automatic concentrate feeders for calves have several advantages: Automatic concentrate
• Concentrate intake will be stimulated as it is always freshly dispensed at feeders for calves have
eating speed. several advantages

• Diseases can be discovered at a very early stage because sick animals re

duce concentrate intake long before milk consumption drops.
• Total feed intake can be used for economic evaluations.
• Concentrate consumption can be used to determine the weaning period of
every single calf. Both DeLaval calf feeder CF300A, CF200+ and CF2000
offer this.

Example:
As soon as the calf eats a certain amount of concentrate (800 – 1000 gr./day),
weaning starts and milk is automatically reduced. When the maximum amount
(2 – 2.5 kg/day) is reached, the weaning period has ended.

Calves that start early on concentrate can be weaned off earlier than others.
This milk costs can be saved and rumen development can be accelerated.

33
XV. Use medicine and additives with care

Use a dosing Use a dosing dispenser for accurate dispensing

dispenser for accurate
dispensing Not even the best barn conditions and milk supply can prevent some animals
from becoming sick. Consequently, appropriate treatment is necessary. It is im-
portant to give the medicine needed; not to all calves, only to the sick animals.

Two types are available

• The powder dosing dispenser can be used for all powdered medicinal
substances.
• The liquid dispenser doses all additives in liquid form.

Both dosing dispensers are extremely accurate, even with small quantities.

Special medicine plans are available in the DeLaval calf feeder CF300A and in
the DeLaval calf feeder CF200+ units. This is especially important for farms
where calves are ‘bought-in’ and where the risk of disease is higher.

The processor supports programming of medicine. The latest processor ver-

sion makes the dispensing of the medicine very easy. The medicine can be
dispensed according to milk ration, weight or age of calf. It is also possible to
pre-program doses for various illnesses. This enables convenient treatment and
helps the user avoid any mistakes.

Picture of machine
with powder doser...

...and a liquid doser.

34
 Pre-programmed
R1 R2 R3 doses for various
illnesses
8 days 3 days 5 days
15 g 30 g 25 g
per 100 kg per 100 kg per 100 kg
in 50% in 100% in 100%

Diarrhoea Influenza Coughing

Normally, feed additives should be spread evenly throughout the day. Howev-
er, sick calves often don’t drink their whole ration. In order to assure that these
calves receive their programmed medicine, it can be added to the first (two)
milk portions.

Drinking qty Application

in litres Medicine can be added
2 to the first milk por-
1,5 tions

0,5

0 Time
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

The DeLaval CF 2000 has a special program for application of electrolytes.

It can either feed electrolyte only or change between electrolyte and milk
portioning. By this it is assured that sick calves also get the necessary energy quota.

2
Milk Electrolyte Application of electro-
1,5 lyte
1
Max 1,5 litres
0,5

0 Time

35
XVI. Customer value

Let’s summarise the Let’s summarise the benefits of automatic calf feeding:
benefits of automatic
• The calf feeder will free you from the heavy work of bucket feeding
calf feeding
Just remember that every calf will be fed with some 300 – 500 kg of milk
during the rearing period.
• You gain more flexibility
There are no specific times when you have to feed your calves. You just do
a check whenever time allows.
• Your can considerably reduce your working time
Research shows that you can save two to three hours per raised calf if you
move from bucket feeding to computerised calf feeding.
• The calves have the optimal conditions for healthy growth
They are kept animal-friendly in groups where they can move freely and
have social contact. They are fed precisely according to their needs from a
computerised plan.

For rearing calves, milk should be reduced after 4 – 6 weeks, while concen-
trate and roughage should be increased. The weaning period is spread over a longer
period so there will be no reduction in growth rate when the milk is taken
away.

The combination of a milk feeder and a concentrate station will even give you
full control over your main feedstuffs, and you can adapt the milk ration to
the concentrate intake of every individual calf. This will minimise your feed
costs and educate your calves to become ruminants at an early stage.

From 2nd week, automatic calf feeder

Litre
7 Max. 6 l/day
6
5
Colostrum

4
3
2
1
0
0 2 4 6 8 10
Weeks

36
Total feed costs can be reduced. Total feed costs can be
There is a large potential saving in feed costs. The automatic calf feeder can reduced.
reduce the consumption of expensive milk products in many ways and still
give high growth rates because calves start eating concentrate and roughage
earlier. In our example, a saving of 20 kg of milk replacer means 20 EUR
less total feed costs per calf.

Feed costs in calf breeding using milk replacer

Feed costs (EUR per calf)
The feeder facilitates
Hay 0,15 EUR/kg
savings of expensive
Concentrate 0,16 EUR/kg milk products and en-
courages the intake of
Milk replacer 1,20 EUR/kg
concentrate and hay.
Health control of your calves will be
improved
Feed intake is registered by the computer
and shown immediately on the display.
Relevant measurements can be promptly
made which will help reduce vet costs.

Building costs can be reduced Accord-

ing to EU rules, calves must be kept in
groups from the age of 8 weeks. If calves
in loose housing are fed with buckets,
there has to be enough space at the feeding
table for all calves at the same 12.50
time. There is no need for this 2.00 10.50
with in barns with automatic
milk feeders, and therefore, the
barn area can be used much Calf area
2.50

more flexibly. Less fencing

10 m2 10 m2 10 m2
equipment is required and, in
5.50

1.50

most cases, the barn space can

be considerably reduced.
1.00

Example: How to plan a

calf barn for 30 calves with 11.60
11,60
bucket feeding. The total barn 0.50 1.80 7.80
1,50 0,50 1,80 7,80
area (length x width) comes 1.50
to ~69 m2.
With an automatic calf feeder
only ~58 m2 is needed. That
3.80
3,80
5.00

means a 16 % space saving

5,00

and corresponding reduction

of building costs.
1.20
1,20

37
XVII. What is the bottom line?

Calf feeders pay Calf feeders pay

To show how quickly a calf feeder pays for itself, we have compared benefits
and savings with the annual costs of the equipment. This is only be an example
as the exact figures will differ from case to case.
• The cost of equipment
As you can see from the curve, the costs per calf are highly influenced by the
utilisation of the feeder over the year.

You lower the costs

per calf by increasing
the use of the feeder
Cost per year (EUR) per
30 transponders calf* for a DeLaval calf
feeder CF200+1 special
feeding points
powder feeder
(* 20 % of the investment
for depreciation, interest,
operation and service)

50 transponders
2 feeding points
Number of groups/year

• If there is only one group, as in our example, with 30 and 50 calves bred per
year, the cost per calf is about 30 to 40 EUR.
• With two groups, only 15 to 20 EUR.
• With utilisation the whole year (4 – 5 groups), the costs can be reduced to
less than 10 EUR per calf.

• The annual savings are mainly related to better utilisation of milk, healthi-
er calves with less vet costs and reduced labour input. Other advantages
of automatic calf feeders, such as cost-favourable utilisation of old buil-
dings, more flexible barn layout, savings of single boxes, etc., have not been
calculated.
• The annual profit, shown as the difference between savings and costs for
equipment, in our example indicate that 25 – 30 calves per year can cover
the investment. With high utilisation, e.g. 3 – 4 groups per year, the
equipment costs can be paid back in less than 2 years.

38
 INVESTMENT CALCULA
TION
Ask your DeLaval represent
ative for help with your inv
estment calculation
Conditions example
Type DeLaval calf feeder CF300 Own calculation
Number of calves/group30 A EURO
Number of feeders
1
Number of teats
1
Investments (1999 appro
ximate prices EUR)
DeLaval calf feeder CF300
A 4 180
Extra Teats
Calf race -
Transponders with neck ban 290
ds 1 000
Total material cost
Installation and commissioni =5 470
ng 330
Total investment
=5 800
Annual costs
20% of investment
1 160
Annual cost per calf
1 group per year=30 calves
2 group per year=60 calves -38
3 group per year=90 calves -18
-13
4 group per year=180 calves
-11
Savings per calf
Reduced milk powder usage
20 kg/calf +20
Reduced veterinary and me
dicine costs +5
Reduced labour costs total
2.0 hours/calf +20
Reduced building costs
?
Total saving per calf
45
Investment result per ca
lf with
1 group per year
2 groups per year +6
3 groups per year +25
4 groups per year +32
+35

Annual return on inves

tment with
1 group per year
2 groups per year +180
+1500
3 groups per year
+2880
4 groups per year
+4200

39
XVIII. Anything more we can do for you?

Service is our best Service is our best product

product
DeLaval will assist you with any question that you might have.

If you have any question regarding calf feeding, we will be delighted to help.
The DeLaval network of calf dealers and service personnel will react as quick-
ly as possible to assist you. We think you will be impressed by their experience
and knowledge. In addition, they can offer you our total range of equipment
for efficient calf management.

40
XIX. Calf pen planning guide

For the design and construction of single and group calf pens For the design and
In this chapter, recommendations and proposals are given as to how calves construction of
should be housed during the rearing period. There are two phases, which re- single and group
quire different housing facilities: the colostrum period, first 5 to 7 days, with calf pens
single pens (see page 42 – 43); and the post-colostrum period, up to 10 to 12
weeks, with group boxes (see page 45 – 54)

* All planning examples follow the present EU rules regarding minimum

standards for protection of calves (see page 55 – 60).
* There is a new trend of keeping calves outdoors from the first day
onwards and our planning proposals cover both indoor and outdoor
solutions.
* All layouts for group keeping are planned for up to 30 calves, as this
is the maximum number of animals recommended to be kept in one
group.

41
XX. Design of single pens for indoor use

To guarantee the vital supply of colostrum, and to allow adequate health con-
trol, calves should be kept for their first five to seven days in single pens.

The pens should be placed apart from the cow area to minimise the risk of
infection from cow to calf. The pens should generally be closed on 3 sides to
avoid draughts, and the laying area should be covered with dry straw to protect
calves against heat loss.

DeLaval calf pens fulfil all requirements of present EU rules.

Either fixed...

...or movable versions.

42
XXI. Examples of outdoor hutches

Practical experience shows that calves can be successfully kept in open-air Advantages and
conditions from the first day onwards if they have a roof for protection. A big disadvantages
advantage of keeping calves outside is that infection rates can be kept very
low and the calves become resistant to changes in climate. Straw bedding in
the laying area is a must and draughts and moisture must be avoided.

The single hutch Outdoor hutch

is very popular in
some countries. It
allows the calves to
keep away from one
another to minimise
the risk of infection.
The calves can move
around freely. The
main disadvantage
is the space require-
ment.

The outside area has

to be covered with
concrete (EU rule).

Outdoor calf pens can also be Calf pen system from

built of water resistant plywood. ‘Riswick’
The pen must have 3 enclosed
sides and a roof in order to avoid
2,12

draughts.
1,17

2% For larger installations, the pens

can be put together in one or two
rows. This saves space and sim-
plifies bucket feeding and
cleaning.
95

1,25

43
XXII Quick guide to different group pen configurations

Advantages and Advantages and disadvantages

disadvantages Group pens for calves can be made in different configurations. They can be
fitted with a deep straw bed, with a slatted floor, with cubicles, with full or
restricted area at the feeding table, with insulated surroundings or open air
solutions. Here is an overview of different barn layouts with positive (+) and
negative (-) features.

Single-bay pen with deep litter

+ straw suits the calves
+ low investment
+ easy to use in old building
– very high straw requirement
– labour-intensive straw and
manure handling
– long, space intensive feeding
table with one calf per place

Two-bay pen with deep litter and

full feeding space
+ straw to suit animal
+ less straw needed than single-
bay pen
– long, space intensive feeding
table with one calf per place
– cleaning lying area by hand
– labour-intensive straw and ma-
nure handling

Two-bay pen with deep litter and

11,60
restricted feeding area
1,50 0,50 1,80 7,80 + straw to suit animal
+ less straw needed than in single
bay pen
+ space saving because of re-
3,80

stricted feeding area1

5,00

1,20

– cleaning lying area by hand

– labour intensive straw and ma-
nure handling

1) Note: space saving layouts with

restricted feeding space at the
manger is EU-allowed only in
combination with an automatic calf
feeder.

44
Fully slatted floor
+ labour-saving (no straw)
– higher pen temperature
requirement
– purchase and maintenance of
rubber mats
– only allowed (EU) from 3rd
week on.
– high investments for slats and floor

Cubicle pen with restricted

feeding space 1)
+ single cubicles to suit animals
+ less (no) need for straw
+ space saving because of re-
stricted feeding area 1)
– less suitable for male calves
(manure)
– higher requirement on barn
temperature than for keeping
on straw.
1) Note: space saving layouts
with restricted feeding space at
the manger is EU allowed only
in combination with an automatic
calf feeder.

Cubicle pen with full feeding

space
+ single cubicles to suit animals
+ less (no) need for straw
– less suitable for bull calves
(urine)
– higher requirement on barn
temperature than for keeping
on straw.
– long space intensive feeding
table, one place per calf
5.00 6.00 5.00
Open (outdoor temperature)
housing for 60 calves in two
groups
+ low investment
10.175
9.825
10.00

+ lower infection rate

+ better resistance to disease
– difficult to avoid draughts
– machinery must be protected 4.91 1.30 3.40 1.30 4.91
against frost. 16
45
XXII.1 Single-bay pen with deep litter
Layout 1

Example of group pen Example of group pen with automatic calf feeder for 30 calves
with automatic feed-
ers for 30 calves.
Floor plan

Resting area – deep litter

Feed trough
Passage

Hay rack Water bowls

Side elevation

Feed trough
Passage

Resting area

This layout is a flexible, low-cost and animal-friendly solution especially

suited to existing buildings. If an automatic calf feeder is used, nearly all barns
are suitable so long as the calves have sufficient space to move (1.3 – 1.5m2
per calf according to EU rules). With bucket feeding there has to be sufficient
space at the feeding trough to serve all calves at the same time. This require-
ment results in less flexibility and higher building costs.

As the total lying area is covered with deep litter with no special area at the
feeding table, this solution needs a lot of straw.The area around the calf feeder
should be elevated against the lying area (approximately 40 cm.) and covered
with concrete or a slatted floor.

46
XXII.2 Two-bay pen with deep litter and full feeding space
Layout 2

Example of group pen with automatic calf feeder for 30 calves Example of group
pens with automatic
Floor plan feeder for 30 calves.

Hay rack

Resting area – deep litter

Loafing and feeding passage

Feed trough
Passage

Water bowls

Side elevation with solid feeding passage

Loafing and feed- Feed trough Passage
ing passage
75-80

Resting area

2,50 1,30 50 1,00

Side elevation with slatted floor - feeding passage

Loafing and feed- Feed trough Passage
ing passage
75-80

Resting area

Slatted floor

This slatted floor – feeding passage layout is quite common for calf pens in-
side insulated buildings. The lying area is covered with animal-friendly deep
litter. To reduce straw consumption there is a special area in front of the feed-
ing table made of solid concrete or a slatted floor. The layout can be used ei-
ther for bucket feeding (it offers one feeding place per calf at the feed trough)
or for automatic calf feeders.

47
XXII.3 Two-bay pen with deep straw but reduced feeding space
Layout 3

Example of group pen Example of group pen with automatic calf feeder for 30 calves
with automatic feeder
for 30 calves. Floor plan
11,60

1,50 0,50 1,80 7,80

Hay rack

Feed trough
Water
3,80

Passage
bowls
Resting area
5,00

1,20

Loafing and feeding passage

Side elevation

Slatted floor

This layout is most suitable for farms that will invest in automatic calf feeders.
It is very cost effective, because the length of the feeding area is restricted (not
allowed with bucket feeding) and the totally covered surface is minimised. The
laying area is covered with animal-friendly deep litter. The loafing and feed-
ing passage can be built of either solid concrete or as a slatted floor. This keeps
straw consumption low.

48
XXII.4 Pen with totally slatted floor
Layout 4

Example of group pen with automatic calf feeder Example of group pen
with 2 automatic calf
feeders
Floor plan

Hay rack Water bowls

Resting area with slatted floor

Passage

Loafing and feeding passage

Side elevation

Slatted floor Feed trough

Slatted floor Feed trough

This layout should only be used if there is no straw or similar bedding material
available. Slats in the lying area without straw are according to EU rules only
allowed from the 3rd week onwards. During the milk period, slats in the lying
area should be covered with rubber to avoid heat losses. The resting and feed-
ing passage can be covered either with solid concrete or a slatted floor.

The barn has to be carefully ventilated to avoid draughts in the calf area. For
the cold periods of the year heating should be installed.

49
XXII.5 Cubicle pen with full feeding space
Layout 5

Examples of group Examples of group pen with automatic calf feeder for 30 calves
pen with automatic
calf feeders for 30
calves Floor plan
Cubicles (resting area)

Resting area

Feed trough
Passage

Hay rack
Water bowls

Side elevation

Resting area Feed trough

Cubicles
Passage

Calf barn layouts with cubicles are a solution for farmers who don’t want to
handle large amounts of straw. Cubicles covered with rubber mats reduce the
heat loss through the ground. Small calves, during the first 4 – 5 weeks, might
have problems in getting used to the cubicles and may not keep themselves as
clean as on deep straw. In many cases, deep straw is used for the first part of
the milk period and cubicles for the second part. Good ventilation is important
for all cubicle layouts. Cubicles are not suitable for male calves, as they will
urinate within the boxes. Another disadvantage is the higher space require-
ment, especially with a layout like this one with full space at the feed trough,
which is recommended for bucket feeding.

50
XXII.6 Cubicle pen with restricted feeding area
Layout 6

Examples of group pen with automatic calf feeder for 30 calves Examples of group
pen with automatic
calf feeder for 30
Floor plan calves

Cubicles
(resting area)

Water bowls

Passage

Hay rack Feed trough

Side elevation
Feed trough

Passage

This cubicle barn layout should be used for all cases with automatic calf feed-
ers. The space at the feed trough can be restricted and this will reduce the total
barn area considerably, compared to a cubicle pen with full feeding space (see
page 50).

51
XXII.7 Calf barn with outdoor climate condition
Layout 7

In moderate climates, there is a tendency to keep the calves outside from their
first day of life onwards. The calves are in hutches for the first week and con-
tinue in group pens. The calves’ climate requirements are catered for by the
barns having 3 sides enclosed against the main wind direction, and an open
front on the other side. To control natural ventilation inside the building, the
open front should be covered with a special net (windbreak), which can be
adjusted according to outside temperature, draughts, etc. The height of the
barn should not exceed 10 metres to guarantee ventilation over the whole barn
area. Deep straw bedding is a must as it compensates against greater climate
changes.

52
 Floor plan
Space board

Wind break

Wind break

Side elevation
5,00 6,00 5,00

Frost-free space

Milk feeder
Calf Feeder

Concentrate
feeder
Lying area
10,00

10,175
9,825
Lying area

Feed trough
Loafing area
Loafing area

Open
Board wall area Board wall
+ +
Wind break Wind break
4,91 1,30 3,40 1,30 4,91

16,175

Cross section:

This ‘open air’ layout has proven its functionality in many farms during the
last few years. It offers space for 2 pens with some 30 calves in each. The
floor level of the resting area should be around 40 cm below loafing and feed-
ing passage to give enough room for deep litter during 1 rearing cycle (7 – 10
weeks). The loafing passage should preferably be covered with solid concrete
because a slatted floor may present problems during wintertime. Water bowls
and pipes have to be frost-free. The automatic calf feeder should be placed in a
separate and frost-free room.
53
XXIII. General recommendations for calf barns and equipment

Barn layout
• Lying and loafing area must be 1.5 m2 per calf.
• Total barn volume 6 – 7 m3 per calf.
• Dry and insulated lying area.
• Straw as bedding material generally recommended and with cold hous-
ing solution it is a must.
• Calves in a group should be close together in age and not exceed 30
calves when automatic calf feeder is used.
• Automatic calf feeder does not require full space at feed trough.
Ventilation
• Avoid draughts and moisture in calf areas
• Cold, non-insulated barns with 3 sides totally enclosed and 1side open,
opposite to main wind direction, and covered with windbreak to regulate
air movement.
Feeding – General
• Free choice water supply from 1st day onwards
• Roughage ad lib from 2nd week (EU rule)
• Concentrate from second week, either ad lib via feed trough or controlled
via a computerised concentrate feeder.
Calf feeder
• Install in separate room if possible, to protect the feeder in an optimal way
from barn gases, flies and frost. The feeder can be upgraded to a frost re-
sistant type, but water supply might be a problem under open air conditions.
• Do not put the feeder on a slatted floor due to corrosion from gases rising
from the manure pit.
• Provide power supply 220/380V, water and rinsing facilities for cleaning
water.
Calf race
• On solid concrete or slatted floor away from resting area
• Floor level of race 30 – 50 cm above the level of lying floor if deep litter is
used
• As close as possible to feeder. Do not exceed the supplied hose length
(5-metres) if you can avoid it.
Concentrate feeder
• On solid concrete or slatted floor away from resting area
• For pens with deep litter pen surface, place 30 – 50 cm above level of lying
area.

54
XXIV. Minimum standards for the protection of calves

Council Directives (91/629/EEC) and (97/2/EC) adopted by

The Council of European Communities
The following text contains extracts from:
1. The COUNCIL DIRECTIVE (91/629/EEC) of 19 November 1991.
2. Amendments stipulated in the Article 1 of the COUNCIL DIRECTIVE (97/
2/EC) of 20 January 1997.

Article 1
This Directive lays down the minimum standards for the protection of calves
confined for rearing and fattening.

Article 2
1. “calf” shall mean a bovine animal up to six months old;
2. “competent authority” shall mean the competent authority as defined in Ar-
ticle 2 (6) of Directive 90/425/EEC.

Article 3
1. Member States shall ensure that from 1 January 1994, and for transitional
period of four years, all holdings newly built or rebuilt and/or brought into
use for the first time after that date shall comply with at least the following
requirements:
– where calves are housed in groups, they must have sufficient unobstruct-
ed floor space to be able to turn around and lie down without hindrance
of at least 1.5 m2 for each calf of 150 kg live weight,
– where calves are housed in individual boxes or by tethering in stalls, the
boxes or stalls shall have perforated walls and their width must be no
less than 90 cm plus or minus 10% or 0.8 times the height at the withers.
2. The provisions of paragraph 1 shall not apply to holdings with fewer than
six calves.
3. From 1 January 1998, the following provisions shall apply on all newly
built or rebuilt holdings and on all those brought into use after that date:
(a) no calf shall be confined in an individual pen after the age of eight
weeks, unless a veterinarian certifies that its health and behaviour
requires it to be isolated in order to receive treatment. The width of any
individual pen for a calf shall be at least equal to the height of the calf
at the withers, measured in the standing position, and the length shall be
at least equal to the body length of the calf, measured from the tip of the
nose to the caudal edge of the tuber ischii (pin bone) multiplied by 1.1.
Individual pens for calves (except those for isolating sick animals) must not
have solid walls, but perforated walls which allow the calves to have direct
visual and tactile contact:

55
 (b) For calves kept in groups, the unobstructed space allowance available
to each calf shall be at least equal to 1.5 m2 for each calf with a live weight
of less than 150 kilograms, at least equal to 1.7 m2 for each calf with a live
weight of 150 kilograms or more but less than 220 kilograms, and at least
equal to 1.8 m2 for each calf with a live weight of 220 kilograms or more.

However, the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to:

– holdings with fewer than six calves;
– calves kept with their mothers for suckling.

From 31 December 2006, the provisions provided for above shall apply on
all holdings.

4. The duration of use of installations built before 1 January 1994 which do

not meet the requirements of paragraph 1 shall be determined by the com-
petent authority in the light of the results of the inspections provided for in
Article 7 (1), and shall under no circumstances extend beyond 31 December
2003.

Article 4
1. Member States shall ensure that the conditions for rearing calves comply
with the general provisions laid down in the Annex.

Article 5
The provisions in the Annex may be amended in accordance with the
procedure laid down in Article 10 in order to take account of scientific
progress.

Article 6
Not later than 1 January 2006, the Commission shall submit to the Council a
report, drawn up on the basis of an opinion from Scientific Veterinary Com-
mittee, on the intensive farming system(s) which comply with the requirements
of the well-being of calves from the pathological, zootechnical, physiological
and behavioural point of view, as well as the socio-economic implications of
different systems, together with proposals relevant to the report’s conclusions.

The Council shall act by qualified majority on these proposals no later than
three months after their submission.

Article 7
1. Member States shall ensure that inspections are carried out under the re-
sponsibility of the competent authority in order to check that the provisions
of this Directive and its Annex are complied with.

56
 These inspections, which may be carried out on the occasion of checks
made for other purposes, shall each year cover a statistically representative
sample of the different farming systems used in each Member State.

2. The Commission shall, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Arti-
cle 10, draw up a code of rules to be applied in carrying out the inspections
provided for in paragraph 1.

3. Every two years, by the last working day in April and for the first time by
30 April 1996, Member States shall inform the Commission of the results
of the inspections carried out during the previous two years in accordance
with this Article, including the number of inspections carried out in relation
to the number of holdings in their territory.

Article 8
In order to be imported into the Community, animals coming from a non-
member country must be a certificate issued by the competent authority of that
country, certifying that they have received treatment at least equivalent to that
granted to animals of Community origin as provided for by this Directive.

Article 9
Veterinary experts from the Commission may, where necessary for the uniform
application of this Directive, carry out on-the-spot checks in co-operation with
the competent authorities. The persons carrying out these checks shall imple-
ment the special personal hygiene measures necessary to exclude any risk of
transmission of disease.

The Member State in the territory of which a check is being carried out shall
give all necessary assistance to the experts in carrying out their duties. The
Commission shall inform the competent authority of the Member State con-
cerned of the results of the check.

The competent authority of the Member State concerned shall take any meas-
ures which may prove necessary to take account of the results of the checks.

With regard to relations with non-member countries, the provisions of Chapter

III of Directive 91/496/ EEC shall apply.

General rules for the application of this Article shall be adopted in accordance
with the procedure laid down in Article 10.

Article 10
1. Where the procedure laid down in this Article is to be followed, the chair-
man shall refer the matter without delay to the Standing Veterinary Com-
mittee set up by Directive 68/361/EEC,hereinafter referred to as
57
 Committee”, either on his own initiative or at the request of the representative
of a Member State.

2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft

of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the
draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the
urgency of the matter.

The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2)
of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt
on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the
Member States within the Committee shall be weighted in the manner set
out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote.

3. The Commission shall adopt the measures envisaged if they are in accord-
ance with the opinion of the Committee.

4. If the measures envisaged are not in accordance with the opinion of the
Committee, or if no opinion is delivered, the Commission shall without
delay submit to the Council a proposal relating to the measures to be taken.
The Council shall act by a qualified majority.

If, within three months of the date of referral to the Council, the Council
has not acted, the proposed measures shall be adopted by the Commission
except where the Council has decided against the measures by a simple
majority.

Article 11
1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative
provisions, including any sanctions, necessary to comply with this Directive
not later than 1 January 1994. They shall forthwith inform the Commission
thereof.

Where Member States adopt these provisions, the latter shall include a refer-
ence to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such a reference on their
official publication. The details of this reference shall be adopted by the
Member States.

2. However, from the date set in paragraph 1, Member States may, in

compliance with the general rules of the Treaty, maintain or apply within
their territories stricter provisions for the protection of calves than those
laid down in this Directive. They shall inform the Commission of any such
measures.

Article 12
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.
58
XXV. Appendix

To the Directive 91/629/EEC with amendments made on

24 February 1997
1. Materials used for the construction of calf accommodation and in particular
of boxes and equipment with which calves may come into contact, must
not be harmful to the calves and must be capable of being thoroughly clean-
ed and disinfected.

2. Until Community rules are laid down on the matter, electrical circuits and
equipment must be installed in accordance with current national rules to
avoid electric shocks.

3. Insulation, heating and ventilation of the building must ensure that the air
circulation, dust level, temperature, relative air humidity and gas concen-
trations are kept within limits which are not harmful to the calves.

4. All automated or mechanical equipment essential for the calves’ health and
well-being must be inspected at least once daily.

Where defects are discovered, these must be rectified immediately or, if

this is impossible, appropriate steps must be taken to safeguard the health
and well-being of the calves until the defect has been rectified, notably
by using alternative methods of feeding and maintaining a satisfactory
environment.

5. Calves must not be kept permanently in darkness.

To meet their behavioural and physiological needs, provision must be

made, allowing for the different climatic conditions in the Member States,
for appropriate natural or artificial lighting; if the latter, it must function
for a period at least equivalent to the period of natural light normally
available between 9 a. m and 5 p.m.

In addition, suitable lighting (fixed or portable) strong enough to allow the

calves to be inspected at any time must be available.

6. All housed calves shall be inspected by the owner or the person responsible
for the animals at least twice daily and calves kept outside shall be inspected
at least once daily.

Any calf which appears to be ill or injured shall be treated appropriately

without delay and veterinary advice shall be obtained as soon as possible
for any calf which is not responding to the stock-keeper care. Where nec-
essary, sick or injured calves shall be isolated in adequate accommodation
with dry, comfortable bedding.

7. The accommodation for calves must be constructed in such way as to al-

low each calf to lie down, rest, stand up and groom itself without difficulty
59
 8. Calves shall not be tethered, with the exception of group-housed calves
which may be tethered for periods of no more than one hour at the time
of feeding milk or milk substitute. Where tethers are used, they shall not
cause injury to the calves and shall be inspected regularly and adjusted as
necessary to ensure a comfortable fit.

Each tether shall be designed to avoid the risk of strangulation or injury

and to allow the calf to move in accordance with point 7.

9. Housing, pens, equipment and utensils used for calves must be properly
cleaned and disinfected to prevent cross-infection and the build-up of
disease-carrying organisms.

Faeces, urine and uneaten or spilt food must be removed as often as neces-
sary to minimise smell and avoiding attracting flies or rodents.

10. Floors must be smooth but not slippery so as to prevent injury to the calves
and so designed as not to cause injury or suffering to calves standing or
lying on them. They must be suitable for the size and weight of the calves
and form a rigid, even and stable surface. The lying area must be com-
fortable, clean, and adequately drained and must not adversely affect the
calves. Appropriate bedding must be provided for all calves less than two
weeks old.

11. All calves shall be provided with an appropriate diet adapted to their age,
weight and behavioural and physiological needs, to promote good health
and welfare.

To this end, their food shall contain sufficient iron to ensure an average
blood haemoglobin level of at least 4,5 mmol/litre and a minimum daily
ration of fibrous food shall be provided for each calf over two weeks old,
the quantity being raised from 50 g to 250 g per day for calves from eight
to 20 weeks old. Calves shall not be muzzled.

12. All calves must be fed at least twice a day. Where calves are housed in
groups and not fed ad libitum, or by an automatic feeding system, each calf
must have access to the food at the same time as the others in the group.

13. All calves over two weeks of age must have access to a sufficient quantity
of fresh water or to be able to satisfy their fluid intake needs by drinking
other liquids. However, in hot weather conditions or for calves which are
ill, fresh drinking water shall be available at all times.

14. Feeding and watering equipment must be designed, constructed, placed and
maintained so that contamination of the calves’ feed and water is minimised.

15. Each calf shall receive bovine colostrum as soon as possible after it is born
and in any case within the first six hours of life.
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make design changes. 11620-en3/0105