Veal barns either have windows or artificial lighting to allow the farmer to provide optimal care for the animals. The presence or absence of light has no effect on the colour or quality of the meat. Fans provide clean, fresh air on a continuous basis. To date, science has proven that the individual stall best meets the needs of the calf with the least amount of stress. Canadian stalls are among the largest in the world.
Calves can lie down, stand up, groom themselves, and have social contact in a stall.
Canadian stalls are designed so calves do not need to be tied. Stalls allow farmers to provide individual care and feed for each calf on a regular basis. Exercise, or the lack of it, has no effect on the tenderness or quality of the meat. Veal calves are marketed before age renders muscles more fibrous and tough. Further research in group pen design is needed to find ways to minimize stress for the animals.