Male calves born to dairy cows have historically been shot at birth or exported to veal systems. Higher-welfare rose veal production is an improvement, but the fundamental issue of dairy-beef supply chain remains.
Shooting male dairy calves at birth avoids a lifetime of suffering but represents waste of life that better supply chain integration could avoid. Rose veal calves in UK systems have significantly better welfare than continental white veal. However, calves are still separated from their mothers within hours of birth, causing acute distress to both. Extended suckling systems where calves remain with cows longer are gaining traction as a welfare improvement.