Four years ago, Ritske Reitsma took over his parents’ dairy farm. At that time, he decided to renovate the barns, as a large part of the housing had reached the end of its lifespan. Both the dairy barn and the youngstock barn were fully renovated.
The farm consists of 180 dairy cows and 65 head of youngstock, with an additional 30 head of youngstock being raised at an external rearing location.
More overview and calm through a smart layout
An important part of the renovation was the redesign of the youngstock barn. Where the youngstock previously were kept in one large group, the choice was made to divide them into several smaller groups. This creates better overview and fewer dominance-related issues, allowing for closer monitoring of animal development.
The youngstock first stay on straw in small groups until around 5 months of age. After that, they move to the youngstock barn, where they are divided into three groups:
6 to 9 months
In this phase, the animals move from the straw pens into the barn. The focus here is on a smooth transition and steady growth, without pressure from older animals.
9 to 12 months
In this group, the first signs of heat are closely monitored. Due to the smaller group size, this is clearly visible, allowing animals to be followed up at the right time.
12 to 13 months
In this final group, the animals are prepared for insemination. Their development and body size are closely assessed to ensure they are inseminated as uniformly as possible.
After insemination, the animals move to the external rearing location. Eight weeks before calving, they return to the farm and join the dry cow group.
Comfort and ease of use in the barn
In the youngstock barn, Meadow mattresses have been chosen in combination with Profit cubicles. According to Ritske, this provides a high level of comfort and ease of use:
“The mattresses are easy to clean and stay clean. In addition, the animals lie on them very comfortably. This not only leads to better results, but also makes the work more enjoyable.”
The choice of Baseline feed fronts is also highly appreciated:
“Simplicity and quality were very important to us. The locking system works well, and we can easily release individual animals, for example when moving them.”
Strongly improved results
The changes in the barn have led to clear improvements in rearing and overall performance of the youngstock. Where there were previously large groups and limited overview, there is now calm and structure.
“You can see that rearing has become much more consistent. The heifers arrive at the milking herd in better condition, and everything is much more stable.”
One concrete result is the reduction in age at first calving from an average of 26 to 23 months, with much less variation:
“Almost all animals now calve at around 23 months. That is a very stable and positive result.”
“Our aim is to gradually work towards an average calving age of 22 months, while closely monitoring youngstock development and ensuring they are sufficiently developed before calving.”
More calm in the barn and among the animals
During the renovation, a barn layout was also deliberately chosen that allows the animals to move in a circular flow. This reduces stress, lowers hoof problems, and creates more peace within the group.
“You notice it in everything: the animals are calmer, you have better overview, and it simply works more pleasantly. Raising youngstock has truly become enjoyable.”
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