Veal production separates calves from their mothers and confines them in ways that cause significant physical and psychological suffering across the industry.
The dairy industry produces male calves as an unavoidable byproduct, and veal production emerged as a use for these animals. Traditional veal crates confine calves so tightly they cannot turn around, causing musculoskeletal problems from inactivity. The iron-deficient diet fed to produce pale meat causes anemia, weakness, and chronic hunger. Maternal separation in calves, as in dairy cows, causes documented behavioral and physiological stress responses in both mother and offspring.