Male dairy calves were historically killed at birth as an unprofitable by-product of milk production, but rose veal and beef systems offer welfare-positive alternatives.
Killing newborn calves represents a significant welfare and ethical issue when alternatives exist. Rose veal production allows calves a reasonable quality of life in group housing with appropriate feeding, and offers a market for otherwise wasted animals. Supporting rose veal and dairy-beef crosses is a pragmatic welfare improvement within current dairy systems.