Veal production has undergone significant welfare reforms in recent decades but serious concerns persist. Understanding current practices and improvements helps consumers and advocates make informed choices.
Veal production welfare has improved substantially in jurisdictions where crates have been banned. Rose or pink veal systems allow calves social housing, movement, and roughage in their diet — dramatic improvements over white veal production. However, the market for ethical veal remains small, and many male dairy calves are killed at birth because there is no economic use for them. Supporting rose veal markets actually reduces the welfare harm of birth-killing by creating economic incentive to raise these calves with decent welfare.