Higher welfare alternatives for veal

There are alternatives to the intensively produced ‘white veal’. These offer a higher standard of welfare and a better quality of life for calves. They include more extensive straw-bedded indoor rearing and veal production from suckler herds.

Extensive indoor or outdoor production of rosé veal

The veal calves are reared in small groups in straw bedded sheds with more space per calf. They are fed a normal diet with no restriction on iron intake. In the best systems, calves are able to suckle from an older cow retired from the dairy herd.

These systems give calves greater warmth and comfort, reduced risk of injury and more opportunity to behave naturally. They allow social interaction between calves, and sometimes, the services of a surrogate mother.

Rosé veal production from suckler herds

Most rosé veal produced in France is from suckler herds. They provide the highest level of welfare for veal calves as they are not separated from their mothers or transported for rearing.

Rearing on the farm of birth

Ideally, veal calves should be reared on the farm where they are born instead of being sold on and being transported great distances for rearing. Veal production systems that involve transporting calves for journeys over eight hours in length, subjecting calves to significant stress and suffering, should be prohibited.

Surplus dairy bull calves

The number of surplus male calves from dairy herds could be reduced by encouraging farmers to change to breeds that produce calves suited to rearing for beef. Also, the use of sexed semen by dairy farmers can prevent the birth of unwanted male calves.

Compassion in World Farming has worked in partnership with the RSPCA to encourage the dairy and beef industries, government and food companies to find workable solutions that prevent the production of ‘waste’ male dairy bull calves.

Find out how you can help stop the intensive production of ‘white veal’ and the transport of live calves.