LUNG PROBLEMS, AND VENTILATION IN CALF SHEDS: “FRESH AIR IS DIFFERENT FROM COLD AIR”
We expect calves, (depending on their future “destination”), to show good milk production or good daily weight gain.
However, lung problems will definitely temper both of these!
Calves have a relatively small lung capacity, but did you know that cattle lungs are not fully developed until their second year of life?
At workshops, seminars, and training sessions for (dairy) farmers, I consistently discuss the topic of heat stress in dairy cows.
My advice: start thinking about how you are going to cool your cows in the (near) future.
There are various reasons for this, but lung volume is one of them!
Calves and cows need their full lung capacity, especially during hot weather. They try to lower their elevated body temperature by ‘pumping’ their accelerated breathing. If this is unsuccessful or insufficient, the animal will suffer and this can even lead to death!
It goes without saying that a cow with lung damage is likely to have reduced milk production, lower resistance, and be more susceptible to infections.
Lungs are highly branched and consist of many small, narrow connections. If these connections become blocked, the blood supply is disrupted or shut off and the lung segment dies.
This process of lung damage in calves, but also in older cattle, is often chronic (especially if the farmer does not notice it), is always irreversible, and recovery is no longer possible.
Ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide are the most harmful and polluting gases in the livestock barn, often alongside dust particles.
If the temperature in the barn rises (whether or not in combination with dry air (less than 50% humidity)) and the air exchange rate decreases, the concentration of harmful gases automatically increases.
The result is irritation of the respiratory tract, which weakens the immune system and can damage lung tissue. This creates a “highway” for secondary infections.
In autumn and winter, we often have excessive humidity, which also has negative effects.
Moist air binding more dust and harmful gases. In addition, the coats of calves and cattle become wet and form “cold bridges,” causing the animals to lose a great amount of body heat. Calves in particular are at high risk of catching colds.
UNFORTUNATELY, THERE ARE NO ALTERNATIVES TO ADEQUATE AIR EXCHANGE AT THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE IN A (BARN) ENVIRONMENT WHERE CALVES ARE KEPT.
If the air movement at animal height exceeds 0.2 m/s, there is a draught at animal height, which we must avoid at all times.
In winter, you almost always create a draught by using natural ventilation.
Once you open the windows or ventilation valves in a warm barn, cold air flows into the warm barn, resulting in draughts.
However, little or no ventilation is also not an option because this causes the temperature to rise, which in turn increases the humidity and concentration of harmful gases in the barn. This results in irritated airways and weaker/sick animals.
To prevent the above-mentioned problems, contact specialized ventilation system suppliers in time.
Prevention is better than cure!
Source text Ronald Rongen, photo: Marga Fogt