Calf pens are designed for calves from birth to weaning. Large-scale cattle farms typically have individual calf pens. Commonly used calf pens include indoor pens, outdoor calf pens, or calf islands. The choice between indoor and outdoor calf rearing depends on the climate. Calf pens require cleanliness, dryness, good ventilation, and ample light, while preventing drafts and dampness. Currently, commonly used calf pens include single pens (cages), group pens, and outdoor calf pens.
In terms of technological research, an experiment conducted in November 2006 at the Haishun Cattle Farm in Heilongjiang Province incorporated the design concept of solar-powered heated sheds with the application of insulating building materials, creating calf islands suitable for use in cold seasons.
In terms of modern intelligent development, the Internet of Things (IoT) technology permeates the entire breeding process, continuously monitoring temperature, humidity, and air quality 24 hours a day. The ranch has specially created "calf islands" to provide each newborn calf with an independent growth space. This "one calf, one island" isolation feeding model can effectively curb the spread of diseases. The ranch's technicians will also tailor scientific feeding programs according to the individual growth differences of the calves.
