Calf Jacket — Waterproof Coat for Newborn Dairy Calves

KEY FEATURES:

• Length 95cm × width 70cm — fits newborn calves up to ~6 weeks old
• Waterproof outer with insulating layer — protects against cold stress
• Adjustable neck and body straps — snug fit prevents slipping or chafing
• Durable enough to wash, dry, and reuse across multiple seasons
• Critical kit for autumn/winter calving in cold regions
• Ships from Mount Compass on the Fleurieu Peninsula

BENEFITS / DESCRIPTION:

A calf jacket is one of the highest-return investments you can make in a dairy calf rearing program. Newborn calves are born wet, with very little body fat, and lose heat fast. Cold stress in the first week diverts energy away from immune function and growth — calves get sick more, gain weight slower, and have higher mortality. A waterproof, insulated jacket like this one cuts that risk substantially, especially for calves born in the wet, cold conditions of southern Australian winters.

This jacket is 95cm long by 70cm wide, sized for newborn dairy calves through to roughly 6 weeks old. The adjustable neck and body straps mean you get a snug fit on the day-old calf and can let it out as she grows. The outer material is waterproof, the inner layer adds insulation — together they keep her dry through rain, sleet, and overnight cold without restricting movement. Wash, dry, and reuse across multiple calving seasons — durability is built in.

These calf jackets ship from Mount Compass on the Fleurieu Peninsula. We rear our own calves through southern Australian winters and use jackets every season — they are the difference between a calf that thrives and one that struggles to maintain body weight in her first month. Pair with proper colostrum management (see our Brix refractometer for testing colostrum quality) for the strongest possible start.

SPECIFICATIONS:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

At what temperature should I put a calf jacket on?

A common rule is below 10°C, or below 15°C if it is wet or windy. Newborn calves under 3 weeks old benefit most. After 4–6 weeks, calves have enough body fat and rumen development to regulate their own temperature in mild weather, though sick calves of any age benefit from a jacket.

How long should each calf wear the jacket?

Through their first 2–4 weeks at minimum, longer in colder weather or for calves that are slower-growing. Watch for signs of overheating in warmer weather (panting, hot ears) — pull the jacket off if she is too warm.

Can the jacket be washed?

Yes — machine wash on a gentle cycle, hang to dry. The waterproof outer holds up to washing. Disinfect between calves to prevent disease transmission, especially if any of your calves had scours.

Does this fit Jersey calves as well as Holstein-Friesian?

The 95×70cm size suits both breeds in the newborn-to-6-weeks range. Jersey calves are smaller — the adjustable straps tighten down to fit. For very small or premature calves, you may need to roll up the excess material at the front.

Is this jacket suitable for beef calves?

It can be, but beef calves born outdoors with the cow can usually self-regulate by snuggling against the dam. Calf jackets are most valuable for dairy calves separated from the cow at birth — that is the use case this is designed for.