Comparison of calves' rearing parameters in two different housing systems: indoor versus outdoor hutches

Abstract. The main aim of the study was to compare the rearing effect of calves kept outdoor in individual hutches and indoor in group pens. During the experiments, the following measure ments were carried out: body weight, daily gains, feed intake, morbidity and mortality. The study was conducted on 90 calves from 5th to 90th day of age; all calves were fed the same feed and according to the same schedule. Results revealed that during the first month, the calves from both groups achieved the same daily gains. However, older calves kept indoor were characterised by better daily gains, feed intake and as a result, body weight. The outdoor system has positive effect on morbidity, especially in case of pneumonia and diarrhoea. During the experiment, only two calves were lost (mortality rate – 2.2 %).