Calves at the farm's old location were housed in individual igloos in the K0 area (K0 = directly after birth up to approx. 2 weeks). Calves were kept in small groups in the barn in the K1 area (following K0 until being weaned off milk). There were always climate-related problems due to changing weather conditions. It was impossible to create a microclimate, and the high ammonia concentration repeatedly led to respiratory diseases in the calves.

There were not only respiratory diseases, but also problems with cryptosporidia in the K0 area at the old location. It was therefore clear that individual hutches should not be used at the new location. Instead, higher calf pens were installed, making it easy to clean and disinfect the boxes.

The first igloo verandas were used at the old site because the barn capacity became too limited when expansion began. They worked very well. When it came to planning a calf barn for the new site, farm manager Reincke and his team set out to find the "perfect" calf barn with a calf feeder. However, they were not successful in their search, and so the decision was made to try tried-and-tested large-capacity igloos. They were initially a little sceptical as to whether a large-capacity igloo solution could be implemented on such an extensive scale, so a canopy was built and 16 large-capacity igloos with 4 H&L 100 calf feeders were installed. "The igloo barn was not very expensive. We could have reconsidered at any time in order to find a different solution," says Roman Reincke in retrospect.

The calves were now reared in the new igloo barn with plenty of fresh air. However, the size of the facility has also had a negative impact. The calves did not have enough protection, especially in bad, windy weather. The farming company's team has continuously improved the barn. For example, the mesh partitions were fitted with plastic panels right up to the opening of the igloo, affording the calves protection in the resting area in front of the igloo. Wind protection blinds were also installed to provide additional protection in poor weather. The plastic panels also prevent spray mist from entering the other occupied boxes when the pens are cleaned with a pressure washer.

"I can't say that we no longer have any lung problems, but it's easier for us to manage," says a very satisfied Mr Reincke.

The central location of the K0 and K1 calf rearing areas on the farm has the major advantage that people are constantly passing by the calves and can observe the animals as they "stroll past".

The calves are given 3 litres of transitional milk at their second feed on the first day. This makes 7 litres on day one. And then 3 times 4 litres starting from the second day.

During the K0 stage, the calves continue to receive transitional milk from one of the three MilkTaxis on the farm. Here too, the calves receive 3 times 4 litres of transitional milk or CMR feed per day. The third feed is particularly beneficial in winter. This is also easy to realise with the current staffing level.

In the last few days before they are moved to K1, they are familiarised with milk replacer in their individual pens in order to ease the stress of the move.

Birth weight is determined immediately after birth. The calves are weighed a second time when they are transferred from the K0 to the K1 area. They are then weighed a third time when they leave the K1 area.

Weights are impressive. Body weight gain in the K0 area is over 1,100 g per day! The average weight gain later in the K1 area is currently 1,050 g. In winter, body weight gain is around 100 g lower, but this is a very satisfactory level.

Mr Braatz attributes these high weight gains to, among other things, the good supply of colostrum and high-quality 60% skimmed milk CMR. Later, in the young cattle area, the animals are also weighed every 2 months until they are inseminated.

The requirement for all animals leaving the farm to be kept for 28 days means that the K0 area must generally be given consideration. As an interim solution, the farming company has purchased another 4 igloo verandas, which also work well for bull calves.