Veal Industry Changing to Group Housing

In May 2007, the American Veal Association’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt a resolution calling for all U.S. veal farms to transition to group housing systems by December 31, 2017. A survey of the veal industry conducted in April 2009 found that 34.8 percent of veal calves currently going to market are raised in group housing. The AVA calls this progress - ahead of schedule.

Dr. Drew Vermeire, a calf nutritionist and chairman of the industry committee which oversees U.S. veal care and quality farming standards, says - veal farmers are now embracing research proven, science-based animal husbandry guidelines on how to provide high quality individual care to calves raised in group pen facilities. Vermeire reports - some farmers adopted group housing early and moved to this system entirely while others are phasing in as they experience good results.

The goal is to always ensure excellent individual care to calves raised in groups while producing wholesome and tender quality meat that veal consumers expect and enjoy. Research continues among industry scientists and at universities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe to help manage calf group behavior, nutritional needs, and to refine various group housing systems to improve calf well-being.