From Calf Husbandry
Today, it is hard to even imagine: 20 years ago there was no option for professionally housing larger groups of calves outdoors, except for expensive calf barns. The breakthrough came with the invention of the H&L Igloo – an innovative system for housing groups of calves in the natural climate outdoors. Today, everyone knows that calves that are housed in groups in the fresh air grow up to be the healthiest and perform the best. An easy-to-transport igloo for up to 15 calves made from almost indestructible GFRP (glass fibre reinforced plastic), with optimal air circulation and comfortable temperatures both in the summer and in the winter, was then and still is the one and only alternative for many farmers.
An impressively simple design creates the balance between maximum air circulation and a draught-free resting area.
It is well-known that draughts in the resting area put stress on your calves and make them sick. However, conventional calf housing facilities require a high airflow rate in order to ensure the circulation and removal of stale and bacteria-contaminated air. In particular, calves that are only a few weeks old are unable to compensate for this undesired effect by producing their own body heat. With a spacious H&L Igloo, you offer up to 15 calves a draught-free, yet well-ventilated shelter.
A Unique Ventilation System
The hemispherical shape of the igloo provides the ideal ventilation: Winds that blow across the outside of the igloo create a negative pressure at its highest point (Bernoulli’s Principle). The stale air is positively discharged from the igloo. Since the entrance is 12 times larger than the exhaust air openings, the air speed in the resting area is extremely low. As a result, the calf resting area stays comfortably draught-free.
Never Too Hot – Never Too Cold!
A special coating on the igloo ensures maximum reflection of the solar energy. For this reason, the temperature does not rise excessively inside the igloo and it offers the calves a cool resting area, even on hot summer days. In the winter as well, the temperature inside the Igloo does not differ much from the outdoor temperature, so that animals will not begin sweating, which would lead to considerable problems. Every farm has its own special requirements. Therefore, it is important to create calf housing solutions that optimally adapt to those needs and conditions. The H&L Igloo will also be an ideal fit for your farm.
Every farm has its own special requirements. Therefore, it is important to create calf housing solutions that optimally adapt to those needs and conditions. The H&L Igloo will also be an ideal fit for your farm.
It only takes 30 minutes for two people to set up an igloo. Custom-fit, pre-drilled elements, high-quality manufacturing, and easy-to-understand assembly instructions are all included to help make the set-up even easier.
Whether you prefer the mobile Igloo Veranda (see next page) or a permanently installed calf barn based on the Igloo System, the igloo housing concept offers the ideal accommodations for your calves on the farm.
Solutions for Using Existing Buildings
No suitable outdoor area available for an igloo system? Do you prefer to use an existing building? Then open the building to provide the maximum ventilation and the igloo ensures the necessary microclimate inside. With this approach, you can use existing buildings without the need for expensive remodelling and can also alternatively use the space as a machine cabinet, straw storage room, etc.
- Recommended no. of calves 15
- Resting area approx. 14 m²
- Length / Width / Height 3.9 m / 4.4 m / 2.2 m
- Height of entrance 1.40 m
- Volume approx. 20 m³
- Weight 220 kg
- Material Hand-laminated glass fibre reinforced plastic
- Standard equipment 4 air outlet hoods, transport hook
- Options Hanging tarps at the side of the entrance for better weather
- protection during extreme conditions