The Calf Compartment

About The Calf Compartment

Where did the idea come from?

The idea for my enterprise came from a gap I identified in the market at the family farm. We are suckler farmers which means we calve the cows, sell off the bull calves and keep the heifers on for future cows at the farm. In the spring during calving season if the cows calve early or unexpectedly we won't have them moved from the slatted shed to the bedded shed.This allows for extra comfort and warmth for the calf during his first few days. When they calf on the slats by the time my Dad and I get there the calf is up and has had its first suck, this means the calf is lively. However the calf still needs to be moved, this process is near impossible as you have to pick up a lively calf into your arms, take the cow out of the shed and stop the other cows from coming out of the shed at the same time with a calf in your arms.The slatted shed is across the road from the bedded shed which means you have to cross a road with a calf in your arms while hoping the cow will follow you. This is also a dangerous procedure as dealing with freshly calved cows is never easy as they are aggressive and very unpredictable. But with the device I have made this will make this process a lot easier and safer for the calf and myself.

About the project?

The project is a calf safety device. It is on wheels so the calf steps up into it and you close the back gate. Then there are adjustable handles that lift up like a wheel barrow. Then at the front there is a mini sculling gate to lock the calf's head in place. You can tag, dose and dehorn the calf safely. It is just myself involved in this project.

What were the costs?

The main costs were the materials it took to build the project like box iron, stainless steel, the 2 wheels and 3 pins. I also got it professionally sprayed. There is also labor costs which includes getting a welder to weld it together.

Target Market

The target market for my project would be dairy and suckler farmers.

How long will the project take to make?

Once ordered the project will take a month to make including sourcing the materials and spraying it.

Where will it be available for sale?

It will be available for sale on the online marketplace “DoneDeal '' and also at local marts including Castlerea, Elphin, Roscommon and Drumshanbo marts. Customers will be able to pay a deposit when they order it and then pay the remainder when they are collecting it. The full price of the calf handling device is £700.