Veal calves

Early weaning

Calves are removed from their mothers within a few days of birth, contrasting with 9-12 months naturally. This is thought to cause severe stress to both the cows and their calves.

Slaughter of the newborn

In many parts of the world, male calves are regarded as waste by-products of the dairy industry. Some are shot shortly after birth, others are reared for veal or beef.

Veal crates

Some calves are reared for veal. The cruel veal crate has been outlawed in the UK since 1990 and is banned EU-wide from 2007. However, in the US it continues to be the main way of producing veal. The veal crate is a solid-sided wooden box that is so narrow that the calf cannot even turn round from the age of about two weeks.

In the veal crate system, most calves are fed on an unnatural all-liquid, iron-deficient diet. This keeps the flesh pale and produces the ‘white veal’ prized by some gourmets. This harmful diet has been illegal in the EU since 1998.

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