Pneumonia and related illnesses kill approximately 160,000 calves die every year, says Defra, which is causing a potential loss of £99 million to the sector.

Pneumonia is one of the biggest issues that calf rearers can face. Due to their weakened immune systems, weaned calves are more vulnerable to contracting viruses which contribute to calves contracting pneumonia such as bovine respiratory syncytical virus, bovine virus 1, bovine rhinotracheitis, parainfluenza-3-virus, bovine coronavirus and lungworm.

The illness can result in serious implications that impact the calf’s welfare, causing loss of form and stunted growth, which both contribute to poorer yields and productivity. If additional conditions are present it may also lead to lower food conversion rates, laboured breathing and stress.

Calf rearer and BBC Young Farmer of the Year 2012, Rhys Lewis has had to deal with pneumonia at his farm in West Glamorgan, South Wales. Last year when moving young stock into another shed, Mr Lewis had to call on his vet who concluded that his stock had contracted pneumonia. At risk of losing his young calves, immediate action was taken to vaccinate every calf and treat them with a dose of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

These unexpected vet bills had an instant financial effect which Rhys knew could be catastrophic should a serious outbreak of pneumonia occur again.

It is well-known that cattle housed in sheds with bad ventilation are far more susceptible to infection, as places that have stagnant and stale air retain bacteria and viruses which are passed on to livestock. Mr Lewis tested the air movement in the building using smoke pellets which showed that the smoke was not being removed fast enough.

He decided to try a Hydor Ventilation Sock System. The plastic ducting is fitted above animal height and it contains small openings which allow air to disperse evenly to deliver a constant supply of fresh air and ensures even temperatures. By providing fresh air direct to the animals, the system can be linked to temperature and humidity sensors which adjust the volume of air accordingly through the ducting.

The system allows the causes of respiratory infection, such as condensation and damp, to be eliminated.

Mr Lewis said: "I’ve seen a significant reduction in vet bills, from treating calves with pneumonia. Since installing the new ventilation system we are treating 1 in 70 calves compared to 1 in 10 previously. Having the ability to control air flow is a huge benefit and I can now adjust the environment to ensure the best possible conditions for my livestock."