Greener for Life
We have now put just over 350 head though the pens and we are very happy with the improved performance. When we compared the final batches on computer feeders with the first few batches in individual pens growth rates improved by 0.15kg liveweight gain per day (calves are weighed on arrival at 3 weeks old and then again just after weaning at 10 weeks old*). We now get zero scours and navel sucking has been eliminated. With stronger, healthier calves which are isolated we are also seeing less incidence of pneumonia. So all in all the pens are a great success – I reckon they will pay for themselves within 12 months based on performance improvements so far.
*We take the middle partition out when calves reach 8 weeks old to pair them up
