An international consultant for the food animal industry, Dr. Schnepper has a special interest in Holstein calves. He said that, although veal production is the most maligned area of the beef industry, it has the lowest death rate among young calves. Holstein veal calves are raised in a veal barn for four months until they reach the weight of 450 to 500 pounds. Individual pens with rubber-covered floors allow natural movement. Lightweight tethers are used, but according to Dr. Schnepper they are only to keep the calves from soiling their feed buckets.
Tests show that only a third of veal calves receive adequate colostrum.
An issues management team within the association works to detect industry problems. The Veal Quality Assurance Program involves producers, veterinarians, suppliers, packers, and feed companies. Dr. Robert A. Smith is a beef feedlot consultant who holds a chair in beef health and production at Oklahoma State University and is editor of The Bovine Practitioner. He believes that cattle deserve the best care possible, consumers expect humane care, and happy animals produce better. To convey how the health and comfort of beef cattle are protected, Dr. Smith described production practices each step of the way to and at the feedlot.