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Male Dairy Calves and Our Ethical Approach

written by

Nicole Caballero

posted on

July 6, 2024

Untitled-design---2024-06-27T030858.964.jpg


Dear CT Ranch Community,

As we continue our journey here at CT Ranch, we are taking a moment to discuss a topic that's important to us: the treatment of male dairy calves. This issue touches on both ethical farming practices and the well-being of our animals.

The Grim Fate Of Male Dairy Calves

You may not be aware, but in conventional dairy farming, and even in some organic operations, male dairy calves often face a grim fate. Due to their inability to produce milk and the cost associated with raising them to adulthood for beef production, many farms choose to either immediately separate them from their mothers, causing significant stress and trauma, or send them to veal pens.

Veal pens are notorious for their cramped, restrictive environments where calves are kept to produce the tender meat known as veal. This confinement leads to anemia and a life devoid of basic freedoms, which not only affects the calves' welfare but also results in meat that is less nutritious and often less desirable due to the animals' poor quality of life. It's important to note that some farmers view veal pens as such a dire fate that they opt to kill male dairy calves shortly after birth rather than subjecting them to this harsh existence. I would say neither fate is necessary.

At CT Ranch, we've chosen a different approach. We believe that every animal deserves a chance at a fulfilling life, even if they can't contribute to our dairy production directly.

We Choose A Different Path!

At CT Ranch, we have chosen a different path. We believe that every animal deserves to live a life free from unnecessary suffering. When it comes to our male dairy calves, we take a humane approach that respects their natural behaviors and emotional needs.

Our male dairy calves are allowed to stay with their mothers for about two months. During this time, they bond and receive essential nutrients from their mothers' milk. We then gently separate them by a fence where the calf joins other recently weaned calves so they are not alone, they can still see and interact with each other and their mothers across the fence line. This process reduces the stress of separation and ensures that they are not alone during this critical transition period.

Our Male Dairy Calves Join Our Beef Herd

Instead of sending them to veal pens, we integrate our male dairy calves into our beef herd. They join our pasture-raised cattle, where they can roam freely and socialize with other animals. This environment allows them to live a fulfilling life, exhibiting natural behaviors and enjoying the companionship of their peers.

While this approach may not maximize our immediate profit, we believe it is the right thing to do. We recognize that cows are highly intelligent beings with complex emotional lives and social relationships. By treating our male dairy calves with compassion and respect, we not only uphold our ethical standards but also ensure that our animals lead happier and healthier lives.

Thank you for supporting our commitment to ethical farming practices. Your continued trust and partnership allow us to maintain our principles while providing you with the highest quality products.

Warm regards,

Farmer Nicole
CT Ranch




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