The next stage of the new Animal Health and Welfare Pathway has just been announced.
This infrastructure grant is for between £15,000 and £500,000 for all cattle keepers to fund calf housing. For the purpose of this grant, a calf is classed as up to 6 months old. This can cover a new build, upgrade, or replacement of existing calf housing.
This housing must provide a good ambient environment and facilitate social contact through pair or group housing. A good ambient environment must ensure good air quality, temperature, and humidity within the building. Example housing design include four walled A frame sheds, 3 walled mono-pitch with an open side, permanent open-sided structures with igloos or hutches.
A successful project will:
- Improve calf health and welfare
- Enhance environmental sustainability
- Introduce innovation
This funding covers all types of youngstock – dairy, calf rearers and beef.
As part of your application, you are required to discuss the project with your vet and provide a letter of confirmation. You can use your Animal Health and Welfare Review as a fully funded visit to have these discussions with your vet.
We have the tools and knowledge to make objective assessments of your current calf housing to help you make positive changes to improve their environment.
For more information, please follow the links below.
Background
https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2023/07/26/introducing-animal-health-an...
Specifications
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/calf-housing-for-health-and-w...