Winter ventilation case study in three veal barns

One mechanically ventilated and two naturally ventilated veal barns were evaluated on a `common-day' basis: calf age and outdoor winter weather conditions over 24-h were similar at all three barns. Monitoring of environmental characteristics within each barn was accomplished using small, portable dataloggers for continual monitoring of temperature and relative humidity at three locations within the barn, including near the calf stalls, and outside weather conditions. Results demonstrate the three veal barns were operated at cooler temperatures by 3 to 8 °C (5 to 14 °F) than generally recommended for veal production. The mechanically ventilated facility used supplemental heat. With no supplemental heat, the naturally ventilated facilities had high relative humidity, and low temperatures, especially at calf level. New criteria for evaluating cold housing for veal may be needed since healthy, acceptable market weight calves were produced in each facility. All three operators understood the importance of providing continuous ventilation even during coldest conditions though more effective interior air distribution is recommended. Improvements to inlet design and function are commencing. Modifications of current veal calf environmental control recommendations should be considered.