Veal Calf Welfare: From Crates to Group Housing

Veal production has historically involved severe confinement of dairy calves in individual crates, but welfare improvements have transformed the industry in several countries.

Key Facts

Veal crates — narrow individual boxes preventing movement — were banned in the EU in 2007
White veal from iron-restricted diets is now largely replaced by rose veal in welfare-reformed markets
Male dairy calves are often shot at birth in the UK rather than raised for veal due to low profitability
Group housing and straw bedding are now required for veal calves in the EU
The British rose veal industry uses welfare standards including group housing and roughage access
Consumer rejection of veal in many markets has ironically worsened calf welfare by increasing shoot-at-birth rates

Welfare Considerations

The veal crate ban was a landmark welfare improvement for millions of calves. However, the shift away from veal consumption in many markets has created a perverse incentive to kill male dairy calves at birth rather than raise them. Advocates should support rose veal from welfare-certified farms as a better outcome than shoot-at-birth, while also advocating for policies that make male dairy calf rearing economically viable.

What You Can Do

Support welfare-certified rose veal as a better alternative to male calf shooting where you eat veal
Advocate for policies making male dairy calf rearing economically viable for farmers
Support dairy brands that have commitments on male calf welfare and disposal
Raise awareness of the male dairy calf welfare problem linked to dairy consumption
Encourage retailers to stock and promote welfare-certified rose veal as an ethical dairy co-product