Calves are often housed in sub-optimal conditions yet a healthy calf is the foundation of a profitable dairy or beef enterprise. For more than 40 years, Galebreaker has been at the forefront of livestock housing research, now together with our Animal Welfare Team, have developed a calf rearing system which prioritises the importance of the environment on calf health and welfare.
Galebreaker’s CalfHub building was initially developed for the CEVEC (Cost Effective Ventilated Environment for Calves) project run in partnership with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). A fully integrated, modular calf rearing system that brings together building design, environmental control, ventilation, heating, lighting, monitoring, drainage, and practical calf management processes to create the optimum environment for calf health and performance.
From day one through to weaning, the Galebreaker CalfHub supports calves at every stage of their development. A seamless transition from individual to group housing ensures the right environment at each phase. The Galebreaker CalfHub delivers real benefits on farm:
- Higher growth rates (150-250g per day)
- Improved respiratory health & lung scores
- Significant reduction in labour through system automation and monitoring (75% saving in daily labour time)
- Greater calf activity indicating improved welfare (25% increase in activity)
- Projected on-farm carbon reductions through improved calf/cow health and productivity – saving around 5% in carbon emissions.
A comprehensive range of design features, considerations and products have been carefully selected to create the Galebreaker CalfHub, delivering group calf housing that combines proven ventilation design with smart technology for a healthier environment.
VentTube Fresh (Galebreaker’s Positive Pressure Tube Ventilation system) provides 8 air exchanges every hour, all year-round. Fresh air enters across the length of the building to push out stale air, lowering pathogen levels and giving each pen direct fresh air. Air speeds stay below 0.3 m/s at calf height to avoid drafts while keeping the environment fresh.
When the building reaches a set temperature the Galebreaker VVS ® curtains automatically open, and Rollerscreens can be retracted to create an open building with more than 40 air exchanges/hr.
In high winds or rain, the curtains close with edge sealing strips preventing drafts and rain from entering. A birdnet covers the curtain openings to prevent birds from entering when the curtains are open.
The building features a translucent roof which maximises natural daylight and brings additional warmth to the building during clear winter days.
The Galebreaker VentLogic® controls the VVS® automatic side curtain, lighting, VentTube and pen infrared heaters. It monitors temperature, humidity, CO2, NH3, external lux, temperature, wind speed, wind direction, rain, water usage, and dry feedbin weight. Data is available via a mobile app (with system override) and a web portal for accessing and exporting historical data.
The Galebreaker CalfHub is a modular building, and our team works with you to determine the right size based on several factors, including:
- Calf numbers based on herd size and calving rate
- Stocking rates will determine space allocations based on industry standards
- Age at weaning will impact numbers of calves within your system
- We recommend resting each pen for 5-7 days between batches
Our sales team will talk through these considerations with you, as well as understanding your budget and the space available to agree the best design and layout.
