Two Heads Are Better Than One: A Starter Guide to Pairing Dairy Calves
Part 8: Farm Focus
Collection
Two Heads Are Better Than One: A Starter Guide to Pairing Dairy Calves
Part 8: Farm Focus (video)
Summary
Paired calf housing can have a positive economic impact on dairy farms by improving calf growth rates, reducing disease incidence, and potentially lowering labor costs, leading to better overall herd health and productivity, although the exact benefits depend on the specific farm setup and management practices; while not as cost-effective as full group housing, it can still provide a good return on investment by promoting social development and improved calf health compared to individual housing. Paired calf housing management practices can improve calf health by highlighting the economic benefits of paired calf housing and the social improvement of calves.
Originally Published: February 2025
Author
- Aerica Bjurstrom, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Division of Extension
Reviewers
- Jennifer Van Os, Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences, UW–Madison



