A growing body of research points to the myriad benefits of raising calves in pairs or groups. But switching to those systems from individual housing can’t happen overnight.
Calf housing manufacturers are responding to that challenge with a wide range of new social calf housing options. Among them are:
Agri-Plastics – Their Ultra Flex Pens provide flexible indoor housing space for single, pair, or group housing, with center panels that can be removed. The Supreme Buddy Hutch is a two-calf system with a removable center panel. And their Dual XL hutches provides pair calf housing with double pails and bottle holders and flexible ventilation options. Learn more here.
Calf-Tel – The Duplex Gate System fitted to their Outdoor Group Calf Hutch allows producers to pair house first, then commingle in small groups after weaning. Their Elite Calf Pairing fence is sturdy option that creates a common outdoor run between two standard calf hutches. The new Calf Tel Mammoth is a super-sized unit covering a footprint of 10 square meters. A new Group Yard System is a heavy duty, flexible outdoor fencing system that is completely modular and offers convenience to human caretakers with easy entrance and modular options. Finally, their Indoor Group Calf Pen offers flexible options to separate or group calves according to the farm’s desired system. Learn more here.
Canarm AgSystems – Their Comfy Calf Suites provide flexible indoor pen space that can create individual, pair, or group housing, with either hoop or stationary frame styles. Their unique design allows for easy cleaning and customization. Learn more here.
RSI Calf Systems – Their Super Hutch covers about 5.5 square yards and is designed to be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Learn more here.
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