A New Youngstock Building for a Derbyshire-Based Dairy Farmer

Overview

In late 2024, a dairy farmer in Derbyshire took a significant step in improving youngstock management by constructing a new heifer rearing facility. The goal was to create an optimal environment for the farm’s replacement heifers, ensuring their healthy development and smooth transition into the main milking herd.

By early 2025, the internal fit-out was completed using IAE Youngstock Cubicle Loops, tailored to the different age groups housed within the facility. The new system has proven highly effective, enhancing comfort and management efficiency for the farmer’s Holstein Friesian replacements.

Farm Profile

• Total cattle: 1,200 head
• Dairy herd size: 650 cows
• Youngstock housed in the new building: 143 Holstein Friesian heifers
• Age range: 5 to 14 months (bulling age)
• Calving age: 24 months

Facility Design & Cubicle System

The new heifer rearing building is split into three age-specific pens, ensuring appropriate management and comfort levels:

• 5-6 months: 1600mm IAE Young Stock Cubicle Loops
• 6-9 months: 1700mm IAE Young Stock Cubicle Loops
• 9-14 months: 1700mm IAE Young Stock Cubicle Loops

The introduction of cubicles at this stage is critical for preparing youngstock for the transition into the adult herd, where they will be housed in cubicle sheds as prior to this, the heifers were accustomed only to loose housing straw beds. However, the youngstock adapted quickly to the new cubicle environment, with excellent success rates in cubicle acceptance and comfort.

Comfort & Welfare Enhancements

To maximize cow comfort, the facility is fitted with the Huber 4GS Mattress System, which features 30mm foam cushioning. This provides a soft and supportive lying area, reducing the need for excessive bedding and improving overall hygiene.

The building also features:

• Diagonal feed fences for efficient feeding access
• Cattleyard gates for secure and flexible pen divisions

All-Year Use & Seasonal Turnout

The heifer rearing facility is used year-round. Youngstock spend their first summer indoors, ensuring optimal growth and conditioning. From their second summer onwards, they are turned out to pasture, promoting natural development before re-joining the main herd for milking.

Customer Satisfaction & Outcomes

The installation of the IAE Youngstock Cubicle Range met all the farmer’s requirements, providing:

• Ease of installation with a practical and durable design
• High welfare standards through enhanced lying comfort
• Improved transition to cubicle housing before joining the milking herd
• Reduced bedding costs due to the Huber mattress system

By investing in a well-designed youngstock housing solution, this farmer has successfully optimised heifer rearing conditions, ensuring the future productivity and welfare of the herd.

Are you considering a new cubicles for your dairy housing? Talk to our team today to discuss your options: https://iae.co.uk/contact-us/