Male calves born to dairy cows have limited economic value in many systems, leading to welfare problems from early separation, long-distance transport and early slaughter.
The dairy bull calf welfare crisis illustrates how economic incentives within food production systems can create systematic welfare failures. When male dairy calves have little economic value, the incentive to invest in their welfare is weak. Solutions that create economic value for dairy bull calves - through rose veal, beef crossing programmes or dairy-beef genetics - simultaneously address welfare and economic problems. Consumer willingness to purchase veal and dairy-beef products is central to creating the economic foundations for better calf welfare.