whats wrong with veal

Why Is Veal Considered Inhumane?

Veal, the meat from young calves, is often viewed as inhumane due to the harsh conditions under which the animals are raised. Unlike beef, which comes from adult cows, veal is produced from calves that are usually no more than 18 weeks old. Most veal calves are male, as female calves are typically raised for dairy production. Here, we explore veal production and the ethical issues surrounding the industry.

Veal Production

Veal calves are a byproduct of the dairy industry. While conditions vary, many calves are confined to small wooden or metal cages known as veal crates. These crates are barely larger than the calf's body, preventing the animal from turning around. This confinement is intended to keep the calves' flesh tender. Fortunately, some states, including California, Arizona, and Maine, have banned veal crates .

Calves are also often tethered to limit their movement further. Instead of living on their mother's milk, they are typically fed a synthetic formula low in iron to induce anemia, resulting in the pale meat desired by consumers.

Types of Veal

According to the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, there are four main types of veal:

1. Bob Veal: Produced from newborn calves that are just a few days or weeks old at slaughter.

2. Milk-Fed Veal: Calves around 18 weeks old fed a low-iron diet to cause anemia and produce pale meat.

3. Red Veal: Calves fed a more sustainable diet of grains, hay, and milk replacer.

4. Free-Raised Veal: Calves that remain with their mothers after birth and have more open space to roam .

Ethical Issues of Veal Production

Separation from Mothers

Calves are separated from their mothers almost immediately after birth, causing significant stress to both. This separation deprives the calves of crucial antibodies found in their mother's milk, increasing their susceptibility to infections . The lack of maternal care and natural milk also disrupts normal feeding behavior, essential for their health.

Induced Anemia

The industry’s practice of feeding calves a low-iron diet to produce pale meat causes iron deficiency, leading to anemia. This condition weakens the calves, making it difficult for them to fend off infections and grow normally .

Confinement and Lack of Movement

Confining calves in veal crates and tethering them restricts their natural movements, leading to physical and psychological stress. The lack of space prevents natural behaviors, contributing to poor welfare and overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Old Are Calves When They Are Killed for Veal?

Calves raised for veal are typically around 18 weeks old at slaughter. However, bob veal comes from calves that are only a few days or weeks old.

Is Veal Legal?

Yes, veal is legally sold in the United States. However, some states have restrictions on the confinement of veal calves. Additionally, meat from unborn calves, known as slink veal, is illegal.

Is It Possible for Veal to Be Humane?

Some companies market veal as humanely raised, emphasizing practices such as allowing calves to remain with their mothers and providing more space. However, many animal advocates argue that truly humane veal is an oxymoron, given the inherent ethical issues in veal production.

Conclusion

The ethical concerns surrounding veal production primarily stem from the conditions in which calves are raised and the practices used to produce tender, pale meat. Confinement, separation from mothers, and induced anemia contribute to the view that veal is inhumane. While some improvements have been made, many animal advocates believe that the industry still has a long way to go in addressing these fundamental welfare issues.

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