1987 - Volume #11, Issue #5, Page #6

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Condominum Calf Housing

Condominum Calf Housing LIVESTOCK Buildings 11-5-6 Wisconsin farmer John Murphy, of Lena, saves space and shortens feeding time by "double-decking" his calves in two-story calf condominiums. "Each deck holds 6 calves in individual stalls. With all 12 in a group, it's fast and easy to feed them, yet they're not too crowded," says Murphy. "Stalls (20-in. wide and 4-ft. long) are large enough to be comfortable, yet narrow enough so calves can't turn around. Calves are left untied and have plenty of room. Styrofoam insulation in the ceiling (2-in. thick) along with good ventilation and a 20-in. roof overhang, helps keep the building cool even in the hottest weather but comfortable in the winter," he points out. The 7-ft. tall building is equipped with 2 by 2-in. floor slats spaced 1-in. apart. The floor also has a solid rubber belt across the front to protects the calves' knees. The top row of crates have tapered galvanized pans under each crate so Murphy can easily wash or scrape out manure from under the calves. He notes that you could also put pans under the lower level, or let waste go on the ground and then move the building from week to week. Murphy rotates larger calves to the lower crates and puts newborn, smaller calves up above. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, John Murphy, 6757 Highway 141 S., Lena, Wis. 54139 (ph414 829-5129).