Indoor versus Outdoor Calf Rearing at Three Weaning Ages

Abstract

Sixty Holstein calves were randomly allotted to two housing systems (inside and outside) and three weaning ages (3, 5, and 7 weeks) within each housing system. Individual outdoor calf hutches and individual pens in an insulated heated barn were utilized for the initial 14 weeks. At 14 weeks of age all calves were group housed in outdoor sheds and remained there until 26 weeks old. Average daily gains were not significantly different (P > .05) between weaning ages or housing systems. Calves weaned at 3 weeks consumed significantly more starter (P < .01) than calves weaned at 5 or 7 weeks. Hay consumption was not affected (P > .05) by housing systems or weaning ages. Housing systems had no effect (P > .05) on the incidence of scours or pneumonia, but the incidence of scours was higher (P < .01) in the group weaned at 7 weeks. Outdoor hutches require less labor and bedding. Calves weaned at 3 weeks can be reared in an outdoor housing system and have growth rates comparable to later-weaned calves housed indoors in a heated barn. © 1970, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.