How much space do calves need for social interaction and play?
Research shows that calves do not need extra space for play the whole day. The EFSA standard of 20 square metres per calf does not appear to be necessary at all times.
Within the Dutch Covenant on Humane Livestock Farming (Convenant Dierwaardige Veehouderij), there is a strong focus on space for calves. This goes beyond merely providing more space for social interaction in the form of dual housing and placing calves in group housing earlier.
Last year, ZuivelNL commissioned Utrecht University to investigate the needs of calves in relation to space. Caroline Huetink, program manager for Animal Health and Welfare, recently presented the first research results during the youth day ‘The Calf at the Centre’.
EFSA targets 20 square metres
It is clear that play behaviour in calves has a beneficial influence on overall welfare and growth. However, the amount of space required per calf for this is unknown.
“The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) states that a minimum of 20 square metres per calf is required. This figure is based on only 1 study, and the tricky part is that we are now seeing this figure reflected everywhere in decision-making. Earlier research focused on spaces of 1.5 to 4 square metres, but there was hardly any scientific literature on the effect of space between 4 and 20 square metres per calf,” Huetink explained to her audience.
Extra space, but not all day
The results of the Utrecht study now indicate that more space leads to more playful behaviour. However, the 20 square metres stipulated by EFSA is not necessary. The researchers conclude that it may be sufficient to grant a calf access to a more spacious pen for play for only part of the day. After all, calves do not engage in social behaviour and play among themselves for the entire day. Calves spend at most 2% of their time on this, and this does not increase with a further increase in pen surface area.
“These conclusions are important in the animal dignity debate. Should every calf be given more space, which would have a major impact on farm operations, or could it be sufficient to offer small groups of calves daily ‘playtime’ together?” asks Huetink. “More research is needed for this, with larger groups of calves and situations in which they are given a little extra space to play daily.”
Do not lose sight of health
According to Huetink, calf health is often overlooked in discussions on animal dignity. More room for natural behaviour, including play, is not necessarily better for health. This is especially true if, for the sake of space, calves come into contact with older peers and specific pathogens at a very young age.
Huetink advised her audience to already take potential new housing requirements for calves into account: “Make sure you are already preparing and see what adjustments might need to be made to buildings; also take permits, financing, and potential subsidies into account.”
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