Open Shed and Portable Pens versus Conventional Housing for Young Dairy Calves

Abstract

One hundred and twenty-two female calves raised from three days of age to 16 wk., either in conventional barns, in open sheds, or in portable pens showed no advantage of one type of housing over another in growth of the calves. Exercise in a dry lot from 8 to 16 wk. was of no apparent value as compared to confinement in individual pens. Terramycin-fed calves exhibited significantly greater body weight gains (P < 0.05) during the first 8 wk. of the trial, during which time the antibiotic was fed, irrespective of type of housing between conventional barns and portable pens. This accelerated rate of gain did not persist after antibiotic feeding ceased and at 16 wk. of age no differences in rate of gain were evident. The mean temperature and relative humidity in the conventional barns were slightly higher throughout the 4-yr. trial than in either the open sheds or the portable pens. Calves housed in the portable pens consumed slightly more hay than those in the conventional barn, but starter and milk were similar. © 1958, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.