The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has updated its policy regarding the care of veal calves. The change recognizes the advances the industry has made in improving housing and care for veal calves.
The policy was updated after Dr. Fred Gingrich, DVM, Executive Director of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and Dr. Renée Dewell, DVM, MS, Center for Food Security and Public Health, Iowa State University, toured veal farms and reported their observations to the AVMA.
“Our group was very impressed with the commitment to animal care demonstrated at the farms we visited. These family farmers provide the highest standard of care to the animals entrusted to them. We appreciated the amount of time, effort and dedication needed to provide this level of care to each individual animal,” Dr. Gingrich noted following his tour of veal farms.
All veal calves are raised in group housing, as veal farmers achieved a goal on Jan. 1, 2018, set by the industry. Veal calves are not tethered or caged. Calves move freely in group pens once they reach about 8 weeks of age, which is when the newborn calf has developed its immunity and can safely mingle with other calves.
“The housing systems were clean, comfortable and provided all the requirements to raise high quality veal in a manner that puts the animal’s needs first,” Dr. Gingrich said.
Veal calves are raised according to the International Five Freedoms of Animal Wellbeing: The freedom to express normal behavior; freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury, and disease; freedom from fear and distress.
Veal calves are male calves that come from dairy farms. They are raised until they reach approximately 22 weeks of age and weigh about 500 pounds. See more information in this video.
Veal farmers make sure the animals’ needs are taken care of and that they receive proper nutrition. The calves are not anemic, and their diet is monitored to ensure they are receiving necessary nutrients, especially iron. Dr. Sonia Arnold explains that the calves have free access to feed and water. Watch this video for more detail.
“The level of care provided to these animals by farmers and veterinarians is outstanding and its an honor to be able to showcase this to animal welfare leaders in our industry,” Dr. Gingrich
The American Veterinary Medical Association represents more than 95,000 veterinarians with the mission to lead the profession by advocating for its members and advancing the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health.