Dairy calves transported to veal or beef units in their first weeks of life face significant welfare risks that require specific management and regulatory attention.
Dairy calf transport involves the most vulnerable age group in bovine welfare — animals in their first weeks of life who have immature immune systems, thermoregulatory capacity, and stress tolerance. The welfare risks of early transport include dehydration from withholding of milk pre-transport, exposure to unfamiliar infectious agents at assembly points, hypothermia or hyperthermia during transit, and exhaustion from an extended journey during a critical development period. Calves that have not received adequate colostrum within the first six hours of life are particularly vulnerable to infectious disease during transport. The UK post-Brexit ban on transport of calves under 10 days old represents genuine welfare progress — implemented over significant industry opposition. Extending similar protections internationally and ensuring adequate colostrum and feeding provision during permitted transport are the key welfare priorities.