What are the advantages and disadvantages of veal production?

Answer 1

(White veal - intensive systems)

Pros:

1. Pale, tender meat - desirable to consumer

2. Quicker growth (if hormones are used)

3. Making use of surplus dairy calves (males)

4. No need to dehorn or castrate

5. Easy monitoring, as they are in individual crates (food and water intake can be monitored)

6. No competition for food or water

7. Low labour costs

Cons:

1. Extremely low welfare

-no space to move

-improper social conditions

-constant anaemia due to low light

-inappropriate diet

2. Transportation of them can be up to 9 hours long, most calves get ill during that time

3. Disease risk because of the close proximity

4. More people avoid it now they are more aware of their shocking conditions