Male dairy calves have no value in dairy production and are frequently shot at birth, sold cheaply into veal systems, or exported live — each pathway involving significant welfare risks that reflect their status as a byproduct.
The welfare status of male dairy calves flows directly from their economic position as a byproduct of milk production. Calves shot at birth avoid subsequent suffering but the practice represents a complete failure to provide value to an animal. Calves sold into veal or beef systems face welfare risks proportional to the quality of those systems. Bobby calf welfare is improving in some jurisdictions through welfare standards and market development for rose veal, but the underlying economic challenge remains.