Nursing Calf Barn A

DESCRIPTION

• Four 136 ft x 36 ft (41.5 m x 11 m) barns with 60 individual calf pens in each barn in two rows.
• All-in, all-out management system. Each barn is filled over a short period of time (2-4 weeks). No new calves are added until all occupant calves have been weaned and moved out, and the building has been completely cleaned and allowed to sit empty for 1-2 weeks.
• Positive pressure ventilation tubes run constantly in occupied barns to supplement natural ventilation achieved with tall, curtain sidewalls. Pens are set away from the sidewalls by 3.5 ft (1.1 m) to avoid drafts of cold air on the calves coming in through the top opening in the curtain.
• Covered ridge cap allows natural ventilation forces to work while keeping out snow and rain.
• Concrete floor is graded from center-outward to promote drainage to small (2 in, 5 cm) gutters in front of and behind pens.
• Individual calf pens can be combined into pairs after weaning to introduce individuals to group housing.
• Deep straw bedding and calf jackets are used in winter; wood shavings are used in summer.
• Calf pen panels are washed and sanitized in an outdoor wash rack area located between the barns when weather permits and in a large, indoor area during winter.