Veal production has historically involved some of the most welfare-compromising practices in livestock farming.
White veal production was specifically designed to produce pale flesh, which required iron restriction and immobility — both directly harmful to calf welfare. Welfare improvements have made significant progress in Europe. Rose veal, using group housing and mixed diets, produces calves with better welfare outcomes. Veal represents a use case for male dairy calves who would otherwise face early slaughter.