Collaboration in long-term project: Blueprint for rearing youngstock
Calves are the dairy cows of the future and, when raised successfully, can reduce your environmental impact, lower costs, and lead to more sustainable dairy cows, to name a few advantages. To ensure that every livestock farmer can properly rear their calves, HAS University of Applied Sciences (based in ‘s-Hertogenbosch) joined forces with Vetvice, FrieslandCampina, MSD Animal Health Nederland, CalfOTel, Agrifirm, and Nutrifeed to launch the project 'Blueprint for rearing youngstock’ (Blauwdruk jongveeopfok).
Ensuring that calves are reared as effectively as possible is an investment for the future, which is why it’s important to have a close look at this extremely important stage in a cow's life. Smart working practices carried out in the best possible conditions are the cornerstone of successful calf rearing. But this requires knowledge. The long-term project entitled ‘Blueprint for rearing youngstock’ aims to improve calf rearing in dairy farming by developing and testing a blueprint that is supported by best practices and can be used by dairy farmers and consultants.
The project consists of a practical study into the real-life application of the scientific insights of how to most effectively rear calves. Students at HAS University of Applied Sciences in 's-Hertogenbosch will conduct research for two years at different stages of the calf's life, from birth until they become a first-calf heifer. During each phase, the researchers will focus on housing, climate, food, hygiene, animal health management, and labour.
The research is guided by a draft blueprint that has been drawn up by students together with advisors from the participating partners. The concept will be tested and refined as part of the research. Students will take stock of and analyse the current working method of participating livestock farmers on the basis of the blueprint and then formulate appropriate advice together with these farmers.
The results of the study – a blueprint of best practices – will be compiled and made available to dairy farmers, livestock farmers, and agricultural consultants. The project will run from 2016 to the beginning of 2019.
Share this message
Agros Expo 2022
On January 25-27, Moscow will host the Agros Expo 2022 international exhibition of animal husbandry, breeding and forage production. We invite you to familiarize yourself with our bestsellers - Comfort and Open Top Premium calf hutches! Booth K36,...
In conversation with...
Filip and Anja from dairy farm De Brabander LV Filip (49) and Anja (47) De Brabander-Vandierendonck have enjoyed running a dairy farm with 260 dairy cows together in the municipality of Zomergem (Lievegem) Belgium for the past 27 years....
Reduce labour by up to 20% in the first four months
Investments in practical housing pay off. Calf rearing is a labour-intensive part of running a dairy farm. Proper calf rearing requires attention and care. Yet at many farms, it's possible to greatly reduce the amount of work. Labour savings...
More growth and health in outdoor housing
Thorough calf rearing is essential for a good performance as a dairy cow. With a high feeding regime and an all-in, all-out housing in small, fixed groups, calves perform best. This according to research by the Dutch Dairy Campus/WUR with 224...
More attention for calf housing
In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to how calves are fed. This is not surprising, considering that the care given to young calves will determine their performance as dairy cows in the future. Research has shown that intensive rearing...
Plastic versus Polyester
Choice of materials determines lifespan. Calf hutches made from plastic or polyester: What will you choose? At first glance, they might seem similar. Yet there is a world of difference. Arjan Harbers, Sales Manager at VDK Agri,...
VDK Agri Open Top Premium wins Innov’SPACE!
VDK Agri has won a 2020 Innov’SPACE for the Open Top Premium Single and Duo! Our colleague Jean Bernard Béranger received the award yesterday.
New products!
VDK Agri launches not one but three new products, among which a new line for indoor accommodation. These calf pens are suitable for dairy farmers who want to keep calves indoors or under a roof. The products were developed on the basis of the latest...