Introduction
The Calf Notes family of educational resources has grown to include the new video series “What’s Happening?” – a series of videos that describe an interesting – and educational – photo or video that Jim collected during his 40+ year career in working with young calves. This series of Calf Notes will reprise the first “season” of What’s Happening? episodes… this Note will review Episode #3 – “Hot Hutches”.
Episode #3
In the mid-1990s, while visiting the Western Tennessee Experiment Station in Martin, Tennessee, I took a photograph that captured a simple but important management decision. It was summer, and a group of young calves were resting in individual hutches placed beneath trees at the edge of a pasture. At first glance, this seemed unusual, since calf hutches are most often positioned in open areas rather than under tree cover.
The reason for this placement quickly became clear. These particular hutches were made of translucent plastic, allowing sunlight to penetrate the walls and roof. While this design lets in light, it also allows heat to build up rapidly inside the hutch. During hot summer weather, the interior temperature can rise to uncomfortable—and even dangerous—levels, turning the hutch into something resembling a sauna.
To address this problem, farm staff moved the hutches under trees to provide natural shade. By blocking direct sunlight, the internal temperature of the hutches dropped, making the environment far more comfortable for the calves. From the calves’ perspective, this was a clear improvement in comfort and welfare during periods of heat stress.
However, this solution was not without tradeoffs. Placing hutches under trees made daily chores more challenging, particularly feeding and monitoring calves. In this case, the herd was small enough that the added inconvenience was manageable, but on larger farms this approach could complicate labor efficiency and routine observation.
This example highlights an important distinction between translucent and opaque plastic hutches. Translucent hutches may offer some benefit during cold winter months by allowing solar warming, but in warm weather they can significantly increase heat load. In most situations, opaque hutches are preferable because they limit light penetration and reduce heat buildup. Other methods—such as painting hutches or covering them with reflective films—have been tried, but these approaches are often impractical for widespread use.
The most effective long-term strategy for summer calf comfort combines appropriate hutch design with good ventilation, ample access to clean water, and thoughtful use of shade. Whether shade is provided by trees, shade cloth, or constructed shelters, reducing solar heat load can make a meaningful difference in calf well-being. Numerous extension resources and industry guidelines emphasize these principles as part of comprehensive summer calf management.
Ultimately, this small scene from Tennessee reinforces a broader message: calves crave comfort. Hot hutches can compromise comfort, growth, and welfare, while relatively simple interventions—such as providing shade or choosing better housing materials—can reduce stress and support healthier calves. Thoughtful housing decisions, especially during the summer months, are an investment in both animal welfare and long-term performance.
Conclusion of Episode Three
Episode Three ends by providing several resources for more information regarding the need for comfortable housing and how to achieve that goal. Remember… calves crave comfort! There are URL’s available to quickly find more useful information.
The video is just over four minutes in length and informative as well as entertaining. Don’t miss it! You can view Episode Three and links to the entire first Season of What’s Happening? in English and Spanish here.
What’s Happening? has been great fun to make and a new contribution to the Calf Notes mission of “Helping Calves grow”. Stop by and take a look at Episode Three and the rest of the first Season. I’m sure you’ll enjoy them!