Calf coat: when does a calf need one and what should you check?
, by Michael van Wassem, 5 min reading time
A calf coat can help a young calf stay warm, but it does not replace a dry, draught-free pen. Read when a coat makes sense and what to check.
A newborn calf has little body fat and cools down quickly in a cold, draughty pen or hutch. A calf coat can help, but only if the basics are right. Below you can read when a calf coat makes sense, what to check for fit and hygiene, and which mistakes are common.
The short answer
A calf coat is mainly useful for newborn and weak calves, for calves kept in a hutch or outdoors, and on cold, damp or draughty days and nights. The manufacturer of the Calf Coat recommends using it at temperatures below 10 °C. The coat supplements a dry, clean and draught-free bed and does not replace it. If a calf is limp, will not drink or has diarrhoea, call the vet.
When does a calf coat make sense?
- Newborn calves, once they are dry.
- Weak or small calves that struggle to stay warm.
- Calves housed outside, in a hutch or an open barn.
- Cold, wet or windy periods, especially at night.
Calves in a dry, closed barn with plenty of bedding often need less than calves outdoors. Age, breed, weight and weather differ, so no single limit applies to every calf. According to the manufacturer of the Calf Coat, you use it below 10 °C, from birth up to 3 to 4 weeks and longer if needed. The manufacturer also states that at 5 °C or lower, the energy from milk mostly goes to body heat, leaving less for growth. That is a statement by the manufacturer. Discuss with your vet or farm adviser what suits your farm.
First the basics: dry, draught-free and clean
A coat does not fix a damp, draughty bed. So look at the calf's surroundings first:
- Dry bedding: kneel in the pen. If you feel moisture through your trousers, the calf is lying wet too.
- No draught at calf height: you only notice a draught just above the floor when you are at that height yourself.
- Clean bucket and teat: hygiene at feeding remains important, also in winter. You can read more about calf drinking buckets and teats in our buying guide.
💡 Tip: walk the same check round every day and note which calf wears a coat. That way you notice sooner when a coat can come off.
Fit, material and care
The Calf Coat from Hofman Animal Care comes in two sizes: 70 and 80 cm. Measure the calf before ordering and choose the size that fits now and still leaves some room to grow. According to the manufacturer, the coat is made of tear-resistant polyester ripstop, waterproof and breathable, and washable at 30 °C. The fastener is sold separately, so you can replace a broken fastener without buying a new coat.
- The coat must not pinch or rub, especially at the withers and chest.
- Check every day that the coat is dry and sits well.
- A wet or dirty coat does not help: swap it or wash it, and keep a spare coat ready.
- Take the coat off as soon as the calf no longer needs it, so it does not overheat.
Winter coat or summer coat?
A calf coat is not always a winter coat. There are also ventilating summer coats designed for sun and overheating. So do not use an insulating winter coat in warm weather. Choose the type that suits the season and read the manufacturer's instructions.
Checklist for the housing period
- ☐ Bed dry and generously bedded
- ☐ No draught at calf height
- ☐ Calf measured, coat in the right size
- ☐ Spare coat and loose fasteners in stock
- ☐ Coat checked daily for moisture, rubbing and fit
- ☐ Bucket and teat cleaned after every feed
- ☐ Vet's phone number at hand
Common mistakes
- Using the coat to fix a wet bed. Sort out the pen first.
- Choosing a size that is too small or too large. A coat that rubs or slips does more harm than good.
- Leaving the coat on too long. Warmer days and a bigger calf mean it should come off.
- Reusing a wet or dirty coat. Moisture and dirt hold cold and bacteria.
- Trying to 'fix' a sick calf with a coat. A coat is not a treatment.
Frequently asked questions
From what temperature do you use a calf coat?
The manufacturer of the Calf Coat recommends use below 10 °C. In practice, draughts, damp, age and housing also play a part.
How long does a calf coat stay on?
According to the manufacturer, from birth up to 3 to 4 weeks, longer if needed. Judge this for each calf.
Can a calf coat prevent diarrhoea?
You cannot promise that. A coat helps a calf stay warm. For diarrhoea or a calf that drinks poorly: call the vet.
Can a calf coat go in the washing machine?
According to the manufacturer, the Calf Coat is washable at 30 °C. Always follow the label on your own coat.
Summary
A calf coat mainly helps young, weak or outdoor-housed calves in cold, wet or draughty periods. It only works on a dry, clean and draught-free bed. Measure the calf, check fit and moisture daily, and take the coat off when it is no longer needed.
Conclusion
See a calf coat as an extra layer on top of good housing, not a replacement for it. If your calf seems unwell, always contact your vet.
Sources and further reading
- Royal GD Animal Health (GD): information on calf rearing and housing
- Wageningen University & Research: research on calf housing and calf health
- Product information from the manufacturer of the Calf Coat (Hofman Animal Care)
- Your own farm vet for questions about the health of your calves
⭐ Add Fidello as a preferred source on Google
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