What do they feed veal

Older UK calves have greater space allowance than stipulated in EU law. Their diet must provide a minimum amount of iron equal to the EU minimum. Unfortunately, very few calves are reared for veal in Great Britain due to low demand for this meat.

Although many are reared for beef, a large number are killed shortly after birth or may be exported to the continent. Due to co-operation between Compassion in World Farming, the RSPCA and the industry through the Calf Stakeholder Forum, more male dairy calves are now reared humanely for beef and the number of calves being shot at birth has greatly decreased. There is more work to do — tens of thousands are still shot every year around 95, in and thousands are exported to the continent over 19, in , mostly from Northern Ireland.

Although the veal crate was banned across the EU in January , Compassion has welfare concerns about standard EU veal production. In intensive veal farms, all three of these are compromised by periods of confinement in veal crates or barren environments , malnutrition and distress and long-term social development problems caused by early separation from their mothers. Young calves are also often subjected to long distance journeys — which can last days — for fattening and slaughter.

Naturally, calves suckle their mothers for up to a year, and maintain a strong bond with her for several years. However in commercial dairy farming, nearly all calves are taken away from their mother within hours of birth.

This diet is designed to keep their flesh pale in colour. These calves are reared in groups from when they are around eight weeks old.

The size of the groups range from a few calves up to 80, and minimum space allowances per calf are laid down by law. However, calves need enough space to lie down and stand up, groom themselves, move around, explore and interact socially.

The calves are typically housed on wooden slats and there is no requirement for bedding material after the first two weeks. Fully slatted floors can make standing and lying down extremely uncomfortable for calves.

They can cause foot injuries and lameness. Again, evidence shows that the EU minimum iron requirement may be too low for full health and robustness. Anaemia damages the immune system and causes calves to be weak, lethargic and probably feel unwell. Although these calves have a healthier diet, they may still be reared in low welfare systems. Every year, almost one million calves are transported on very long journeys across Europe, although evidence shows that young calves are particularly vulnerable to the stresses of handling and transport.

They are unable to regulate their body temperature to cope with the extremes of heat and cold during long journeys. They often suffer bruising and weight loss as a result of the discomfort of transportation and lack of space and comfortable bedding. Calves are generally reared in groups in sheds some with access to pasture and fed milk or milk replacer and then a grain-based ration. This specialist calf-rearing method results in pink-coloured meat called rose veal.

Vealers or weaners are beef breeds raised on pasture with their mothers. This method of calf rearing results in a light red veal. The system of veal production where calves spend their entire lives in individual crates with solid wooden sides that do not allow the animal to turn around or express natural behaviours, has never been used in Australia.

Veal crates have been illegal in the UK and Europe since but are still used in some countries. Veal farmers use quality feed that meets the nutritional requirements of veal calves and contains the nutrition necessary to maintain health, growth, and energy. Calves have access to drinking water throughout the day and feed is managed for proper protein and fat levels for the age and size of the calf. Veal farmers work with reputable experts such as animal nutritionists to design nutritional programs that are best for veal calves.

The Veal Quality Assurance Program VQA certifies that veal farmers provide excellent animal care and use the best handling practices on the farm.

Since the adoption of the VQA, veal farmers have increased the health and well-being of their animals while continuing to produce the high-quality, safe meat expected by customers.

What is Veal? Veal is a nutritious and nutrient-rich meat that is produced from the male offspring of dairy cows. How long does a veal calf stay with the dairy cow? Both male and female offspring of dairy cows are normally removed from cows within three days of giving birth.