Equafleece introduces calf coat trials at Royal Highland Show

This initiative is being launched at The Royal Highland Show 23-26 June 2016 with up to 100 Calf Coats being given away to Scottish farmers alone.

Equafleece invites farms and rearing units to come forward to accept a free Calf Coat, allowing them to assess whether the financial rewards out way the initial outlay - quite apart from the health implications.

Trials at Harper Adams University have revealed much positive evidence reflecting the benefits to a new-born calf including improved rumen development, better coats, reduced faecal score and a reduced incidence of scours.

Also positively received by numerous farmers across the UK including Whiteoaks Pedigree Jerseys in Derbyshire, Southbell Pedigree Holsteins in North Yorkshire, Langstone Manor Jersey Herd in Devon, the calf coats are deployed in winter months across their entire stock of new-borns until weaning.

Unlike other Calf Coats, Equafleece only uses Polartec® fleece fabric, which keeps a young calf warm and dry no matter the weather. The Polartec® fabric keeps a calf warm without overheating playing a crucial role helping dry a new-born, wet calf.

With up to 25% of dairy calves dying from chronic pneumonia in their first three weeks of life during winter months (1), calves that wear coats will be supported through colder temperatures. A study on calves wearing coats during their first 118 days averaged 16kgs (38 pounds) more in weight gain than an un-coated control group.

British designed and made from the technical fabric initially devised for mountaineers and arctic explorers, the Polartec® 200 fleece with DWR (Durable Water Repellency) wicks moisture away from a body, maintains warmth, repels rain and weighs almost nothing.

100% Rainproof with a four tog thermal rating, Equafleece® Calf Coats offer new-born beef and dairy calves a thermal protective layer, proven to reduce stress of winter weather changes, thereby reducing winter feed costs and incidence of illness.

Providing an alternative to expensive infra-red lamps, the Calf Coats are thoughtfully designed to stay perfectly in place, giving the calf as much protection from rain and cold.

Equafleece® is showcasing its Calf Coats and range of fleecewear for dogs at the Royal Highland Show 23-26 June 2016 stand 360 For more information: www.calfcoats.com.