Veal

Veal production is a way to add value to dairy bull calves and to utilize whey solids, a byproduct from the manufacturing of cheese.

In addition to providing meat, the bones of calves are used to make a stock that forms the base for sauces and soups such as demi-glace.

Milk-fed veal calves consume a diet consisting of milk replacer, formulated with mostly milk-based proteins and added vitamins and minerals supplemented with solid feeds.

Veal calves need proper amounts of water, adequate nutrition, and safe and comfortable environments to thrive.

Public efforts by these organizations are placing pressure on the veal industry to change some of its methods.

[17] Modern veal production facilities in the US allow sufficient room for the calf to lie down, stand, stretch, and groom itself.

[10] Some systems of veal production rear calves that are denied access to any solid feed[18] and are fed a liquid milk replacer.

This dietary restriction completely distorts the normal development of the rumen and predisposes the calf to infectious enteritis (scouring or diarrhea) and chronic indigestion.

[16] Rearing calves in deprived conditions without a teat can lead to the development of abnormal oral behaviour.

Calves with blood haemoglobin concentrations of below 4.5 mmol/L may show signs of increased disease susceptibility and immunosuppression.

[16] Alternative agricultural uses for male dairy calves include raising bob veal (generally slaughtered at 2–3 days old, though age may be as young as 2 hours or at most 1 month old),[4][20] raising calves as "red veal" without the severe dietary restrictions needed to create pale meat (requiring fewer antibiotic treatments and resulting in lower calf mortality),[21] and as dairy beef.

[15][19][26] Floors were often slatted and sloped, allowing urine and manure to fall under the crate to help maintain a clean environment for the calf.

Furthermore, some calves were reared in crates with solid walls that prevented visual or tactile contact with their neighbours.

[26] In the US, young milk-fed veal calves may be raised in individual pens up to a maximum of ten weeks of age and are typically in visual and tactile contact with their neighbors.

[30] United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations do not permit the use of hormones on veal calves for any reason.

State-by-state veal crate bans are as follows:[39] Current active legislation in:[needs update]