CALF JACKET SEASON IS ALMOST HERE! 

As the dark nights draw closer and the temperature begins to decrease, our attention is turning to winter. September is the ‘non-official’ beginning of the calf jacket season. Farmers up and down the UK will now, or very soon, be adapting and preparing for the harsh weather conditions we love to hate.

Often referred to as calf jackets or calf coats, these simple and affordable items have proven themselves to make significant differences in the health of young calves. Their primary function? To assist newborn calves tolerate cold stress and improve health and growth during the winter months.

WHY DO CALVES NEED CALF JACKETS?

Young calves do not have large body reserves to convert for body temperature regulation.  They also have a large surface area relative to their total body size, resulting in rapid loss of body heat at low ambient temperatures. Read more about the Thermo Neutral Zone here. 

WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?

A recent study in the UK compared 40 Holstein calves reared from December through February. Half received calf jackets from 2 to 12 weeks of age, and half did not. The researchers found that calves with jackets gained an average of 11.68 pounds more than those without.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING CALF JACKETS?

The warmth of the calf jacket enables young calves to focus their energy on growing, as appose to keeping warm. The study also discovered that calves wearing the calf jackets consumed less feed. Saving the farmer an average 2.90 per head. Other significant differences, increased last rib girth measurements, indicating improved rumen development. Along with a decrease in the number of scour incidents.

WHICH CALF JACKET SHOULD I USE?

At AniMac, we have a range of calf jackets to support farmers differing needs. Created from top-grade materials and made to protect your animal. Click  HERE  to learn more about our calf jacket range and their intended purpose.