Calf Housing and Bedding: Building Healthy Calves from the Ground Up
Welcome to the third feature article in our calf rearing series. In this article, we look at the important role calf housing and bedding play in creating the right environment for healthy, thriving young stock.
A calf’s surroundings can influence everything from comfort and growth rates to immunity and disease risk. By understanding how shelter, ventilation, space and bedding quality work together, farmers can give calves the strongest possible foundation from the ground up.
Every successful dairy farmer knows there is no shortcut to raising healthy replacement heifers. Genetics, nutrition and good management all play their part, but one factor is often underestimated: the environment calves spend their first few weeks living in. The right housing and bedding can make the difference between calves that thrive and calves that constantly battle illness, poor growth and setbacks.
Photo Ella Pirie Photography
“Good calf housing is not simply about providing shelter — it is about creating an environment where calves can use their energy for growth, not survival.”
For New Zealand dairy farmers, calf housing has evolved considerably over the past decade. Purpose-built calf sheds are becoming more common, ventilation is receiving greater attention, and bedding choices continue to expand beyond the traditional straw and wood shavings. While every farming system is different, the principles remain remarkably consistent. Keep calves warm, dry, comfortable and well ventilated.
Newborn calves arrive with very little body fat and limited ability to regulate their own body temperature. Every bit of energy they use trying to stay warm is energy that cannot be used for growth. That makes good housing one of the best investments a farmer can make.
The ideal calf shed protects animals from cold winds and driving rain while allowing plenty of fresh air to circulate. It sounds contradictory, but calves need ventilation without drafts. Fresh air removes moisture, ammonia and airborne bacteria, while drafts rob calves of body heat and increase the risk of respiratory disease.
Many older calf sheds have excellent shelter but poor airflow. Over time, humidity builds up, bedding becomes damp and bacteria flourish. Modern shed designs often include adjustable side curtains, ridge vents or open-fronted designs that improve air movement while maintaining protection from the weather.
Space also matters. Overcrowding increases stress levels, allows diseases to spread more quickly and makes it difficult to keep bedding clean. Calves need enough room to lie down comfortably, stand easily and move around without constantly climbing over one another.
When it comes to bedding, there is no single perfect option. Each material has advantages and disadvantages depending on availability, cost and the amount of labour involved.
Straw has long been regarded as the gold standard. Deep straw provides outstanding insulation by trapping warm air around the calf's body. Calves can nest into the bedding, reducing heat loss during cold New Zealand winters. Straw is particularly valuable for very young calves that have not yet developed enough body condition to cope with low temperatures.
The downside is availability and cost. In some regions, quality straw can be difficult to source, especially following wet harvest seasons. It also requires regular topping up to remain clean and dry.
Wood shavings remain another popular choice. They are highly absorbent, relatively easy to handle and often readily available from local timber mills. Fine shavings create a comfortable lying surface and generally produce less dust than some alternative bedding materials. However, they can compact over time if not maintained, reducing their insulating properties.
Sawdust is sometimes chosen because it is inexpensive, but it has limitations. Fine particles can create dust, particularly when dry, and damp sawdust can quickly harbour bacteria if not replaced regularly. It is generally better suited as a base layer rather than the primary bedding material.
Some farmers use bark, rice hulls or shredded paper products where these are locally available. Each can work successfully if kept clean and dry, although availability often dictates whether they are practical options.
Regardless of the bedding selected, dryness is the most important factor. Wet bedding rapidly loses its insulating value and creates ideal conditions for bacteria, viruses and parasites. A simple test is to kneel on the bedding. If your knees become damp after a few seconds, it is time to add fresh material.
Deep bedding systems are becoming increasingly popular on New Zealand dairy farms. Instead of removing all bedding every day, farmers continually add fresh material to the top, allowing the lower layers to compost naturally. When managed correctly, this system can generate a small amount of heat while reducing labour. However, it only works if sufficient fresh bedding is added regularly and complete clean-outs occur between calf-rearing seasons.
Rubber matting is also finding its place in calf sheds. While mats provide cushioning and are easy to wash, they should not replace bedding entirely. Calves still require a dry insulating layer on top, particularly during colder months. Mats work best as part of a combined bedding system rather than as a standalone surface.
Good drainage is equally important. Even the best bedding cannot stay dry if water pools beneath it. Floors should slope gently to encourage drainage while remaining safe for young calves to walk on. Any leaking drinkers or overflowing troughs should be repaired immediately before they create damp patches.
Cleanliness remains essential, but there is a balance. Completely sterilising every surface every day is not necessarily the goal. Good hygiene means removing manure, replacing wet bedding and reducing disease pressure without creating unnecessary stress or excessive labour. Calves still need to develop healthy immune systems through gradual exposure to their environment.
As calf housing continues to improve across New Zealand, the focus is shifting from simply providing shelter to creating an environment that actively supports growth, welfare and future productivity. Comfortable calves spend more time lying down, ruminating and growing. They are less likely to suffer respiratory disease, scours or setbacks that delay development.
In the end, the bedding under a calf is just as important as the milk in its feeder. Warm, dry and comfortable surroundings provide the foundation for healthier animals, improved growth rates and ultimately more productive cows entering the dairy herd. It is an investment that continues to pay dividends long after calves leave the shed