Male dairy calves and surplus females are frequently transported shortly after birth to veal units, beef farms, or slaughter. This transport is a significant welfare risk for very young animals.
Newborn dairy calves separated from their mothers face multiple welfare risks when transported. Their immune systems are immature before colostrum absorption is complete, making them vulnerable to disease during the stress of transport. Journey time, temperature, vehicle design, and handling standards all affect welfare outcomes. Very young calves cannot thermoregulate effectively and are susceptible to cold stress and dehydration. Transport to continental veal units from the UK involves long journeys that expose calves to multiple stress events. Keeping male dairy calves in the UK for rose veal or beef production, with appropriate welfare standards, is preferable to early transport or culling at birth. Consumer willingness to buy rose veal directly supports this outcome.