The fate of male dairy calves that cannot produce milk is one of the most persistent welfare problems in the dairy sector, requiring industry-wide solutions.
Calves killed at birth or a few days old without purpose represent a significant welfare and ethical concern, even though death may be rapid. The alternative of keeping male calves in poor welfare veal systems is also problematic. Rose veal and dairy-beef systems that give male calves a meaningful life before slaughter provide better welfare outcomes and economic viability for dairy farmers.