Calf jackets for market calves

[glow worm]

Only used calf jackets on problem calves but considering using them on winter hutch reared calves destined for market around 6 - 8 weeks old as noticing that indoor reared calves frequently doing better than outdoor ones. My question is to other users .. is there a big growth check when taken off to sell? Same question really for retained calves. Also, any favorite make of jacket?

 

[FarmerWasty]

Study shows no difference in calfs with or without calf jackets. But study show better dlwg in calves with a warmer ambient temperature.

 

[lazy farmer]

Study shows no difference in calfs with or without calf jackets. But study show better dlwg in calves with a warmer ambient temperature.

It’s amazing what researchers get funding for.

 

[Dead Rabbits]

I’d definitely argue with jackets not helping. But ours likely live in a very different environment to how the study was done.

 

[tr250]

I’m not sure about jackets but personally I hate seeing calves taken to market. Calf rearing can be an uphill struggle at the best of times the last thing they need is upsetting getting a chill being pushed about and changing diet. I often wonder how many get pneumonia or scours after being bought

 

[Bald Rick]

Always use jackets for Jersey calves but they have a low birth weight and not much brown fat.
Remove pre-weaning once birth weight doubled

 

[borderterribles]

As @Bald Rick says, calf coats have been a real revelation for Jersey breeders.

 

[Scholsey]

As @Bald Rick says, calf coats have been a real revelation for Jersey breeders.

and upland Holstein breeders.