05/01/2026
🐄Microclimates - targeting energy for growth in colder weather
Keeping youngstock warm is critical to growth rates. A 2°C drop in temperature can require the equivalent of 20g extra milk powder per calf per day!
By using microclimates farms quite often see +2.5 degrees higher air temperature and a 0.04–0.08 kg/day increase in DLWG. Also, aiding the reduction in pneumonia cases which can save up to £44 per case.
So, what makes a good microclimate?
🐮Tall enough for calves to stand
🐮Low enough to retain heat
🐮Deep straw for nesting and insulation
🐮Mesh sides for airflow
🐮Easy to move and clean
Failing that even popping a bale in for the calves to huddle around can also be helpful.
