Strauss Group-Raised Veal:

Group-raised veal evolved as a more humane alternative to stall-raised calves as attested to by animal advocates.   In a group housing environment, single calf stalls are replaced by larger pens that allow two to a dozen or more calves to socialize with each other. The stall raised process allowed farmers to monitor individual calf health and growth more easily. It is also believed that the social interaction group housing provides is beneficial and less stressful to the calves because they are herd animals by nature. 

At Strauss, our group housed calves are also given roughage in addition to their liquid diets, so that they may develop more naturally.  As a result our veal is not pale white, but richer in color.

Nationwide, the veal industry set 2017 as the target year to convert from stall to group-raised veal.  Strauss Brands is on track to transition our Holstein calf program to 100 percent Group Raised by the end of 2008, a full nine years ahead of the rest of the American veal industry.

AVA Statement:

"The American Veal Association (AVA) believes that the current body of animal science research clearly supports both individual and group housing as acceptable methods of production. Both systems have their strengths and weaknesses when measuring and comparing the total welfare of our animals. Group housing is still an emerging technology in all segments of animal agriculture, with much to be learned by both veterinarians and producers on how to practically apply the concept in way that is truly beneficial for the animals. We feel in a consumer driven, free market economy each company will decide which system(s) to use and how or if they feel a transition is appropriate. Our strong belief is that all of our animals receive a level of care and commitment from our producers that is unmatched in all of animal agriculture." 

AMERICAN VEAL ASSOCIATION RESOLUTION 

WHEREAS, the group housing methodology has developed in the United States to the extent that slightly less than 10% of US veal production is now derived from this system, and

WHEREAS, many large retail and food service organizations now consider animal welfare issues in concert with their purchasing decisions, and

WHEREAS, group housing as a method of raising veal calves was imposed legislatively upon European veal producers more than a decade ago, and

WHEREAS, the American Veal Association Board of Directors (AVA Board) believes the following:

1. That the veal industry continues to bear the important responsibility of safeguarding the health and well being of all animals under its collective care, and
2. That research into group housing methodologies has progressed to the point where these methods may now be considered viable methods in which to raise veal calves, and
3. That the veal industry must always be aware and mindful of consumer concerns with respect to the products placed into the stream of commerce, and
4. That recent events indicate clearly that consumers of veal and other products derived from livestock expect the highest standards of animal welfare, and
5. That the trend of higher animal welfare scrutiny from retail and food service organizations will continue into the future in response to consumer expectations, and
6. That an ultimate veal industry conversion to a group housing methodology will promote industry stability and growth.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Veal Association officially recognizes both traditional methods and group based methods of veal production as viable and acceptable methods of raising veal calves in the US. However, in light of the factors listed above, the AVA recommends that the entire veal industry convert to the group housing methodology by December 31, 2017. In addition, the AVA encourages additional industry research to further refine and perfect group housing methods such that this new method of veal production be available to all US veal producers in the near future.

Nutritional Facts