Male dairy calves are a byproduct of milk production with limited commercial value in some systems. Their welfare from birth through sale, veal production, or disposal determines a significant but underappreciated welfare cost of dairy.
Dairy bull calf welfare is one of the least discussed but most significant welfare issues attached to dairy consumption. The routine shooting of newborn male calves represents an acute welfare harm — and one that is entirely avoidable through veal production and cross-breeding programs. The decision to shoot rather than rear calves is economic: bull calves of dairy breeds are less efficient to raise for beef than beef breeds. Consumer willingness to purchase veal and the premium it commands directly determines whether farmers find it economic to rear rather than dispose of bull calves.