Male dairy calves cannot produce milk and have historically been killed at birth or raised for low-value veal. New approaches to dairy bull calf welfare are creating more humane pathways for these animals.
Dairy bull calves represent an inherent welfare challenge in dairy production — they are born as a byproduct of milk production with historically little economic value. Killing at birth avoids welfare costs of raising animals, but the alternative of raising them well in systems like rose veal or as dairy-beef crosses creates positive welfare outcomes while addressing market needs. Consumer willingness to purchase rose veal specifically to improve calf welfare has created a viable economic pathway that several major retailers have embraced.