The Farmers Mart Dec/Jan 2014 - Issue 31 | Page 50

BUTCHERY

LOOKING BEYOND CALF EXPORTS
A report issued in November shows a definite surge
in domestic attention towards dairy beef and veal, as
export interest in dairy-bred bull calves collapses.
The report, by the main
stakeholders in UK calf welfare,
confirms the extent of their success
over the past seven years. The
Beyond Calf Exports Stakeholders
Forum has been working to improve
the welfare of male calves since
its launch in 2006, demonstrating
what can be achieved when all the
stakeholders work together.
The Forum has, by helping to underpin
a lift in the value of calves in the UK,
secured a reduction in the number
of male dairy calves shot at birth or
exported live to veal farms on the
Continent.
Since 2006, the number of male dairy
calves retained in Great Britain rose
from 245,586 to 390,140 per annum.
This is a rise of 58% and represents
86% of male calves born. The number
of calves killed on farm reduced from
84,817 to 54,670 and now represents
12% of those born in Britain. The
number of live calves being exported
to the Continent has reduced by 90%
since 2006 to less than 8,000.

‘Number of male dairy
calves retained in
Great Britain rose from
245,586 to 390,140’
But continued efforts of all those
involved is vital, says the Forum,
because £100 million a year in sales is
being lost to the beef and dairy sectors
as up to 100,000 calves are still being
killed before they have a chance to
realise their real economic worth.
Also, TB movement controls remain
an impediment to progress because
35,000 of the 100,000 calves lost are
held up on TB restricted farms.
Speaking at a roundtable event
following the report’s launch, Professor
John Webster, Emeritus Professor of
Animal Husbandry at the University of

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Dec/Jan 2014 FarmersMart

‘A model for the future’
Bristol, said: “In 2006, more than a third
of all male dairy calves born were either
exported or shot at birth. Now, fewer
than 15% suffer this fate, which is good
for their welfare, British farmers and
consumers.
“This turn around in the calf industry
has been achieved through new markets
opening up for veal and beef. The report
highlights more than 10 different case
studies from retailers, processors and
farmers that have created new markets
for male calves.”
Robert Forster, former head of the
National Beef Association, said:
“The key was to find realistic, and
economically viable, domestic options
that would make the export market for
dairy bred calves virtually redundant.
“Dairy farmers, processors and
retailers were made aware of the
advantages of drawing more of these
calves into domestic beef rearing and
finishing systems so they could make
a direct, and important, contribution
to increases in farm income and
improvements to the agricultural
economy.”
Philip Lymbery at
Compassion in World
Farming, CEO:
“The Forum has met its goals of giving
dairy bull calves a future that they simply
didn’t have seven years ago. I want to
congratulate all of the stakeholders for
the incredible problem-solving skills they
have shown and their openness.

“This is a model for the future. There
may have been many challenges on the
way, but it has been hugely impactful in
terms of numbers of animals whose lives
we have improved.”
Sophie Stoye, at FAI, said the Forum
has “certainly raised the profile of dairy
calves and associated welfare problems
and has had a significant impact on
reducing calf exports, which could have
returned to 2006-2008 levels following
the disease issues which halted exports
in 2009/10.”
But she pointed out that, although
the number of calves shot on farm
has reduced, this is not likely to be a
continuing trend unless the genetics of
the cow is addressed which would also
reduce the risk of poor welfare in the
cow “which is sorely needed.”

‘The key was to
find realistic and
economically viable,
domestic options
that would make
the export market
for dairy bred calves
virtually redundant’
Peter Savidge at OMSCo, Head of
Membership said: “For our members
TB restrictions will remain the single big
reason why viable male calves remain
at risk.” Tim Brigstocke, Policy Director,
RABDF said: “RABDF as the only UK
wide charity solely involved in the dairy
farming sector welcomes any activity
that will help create a sustainable and
profitable dairy farming sector.The
Beyond Calf Exports Stakeholders
Forum is also a really good example of
everyone working together to mutual
advantage coming up with some
new approaches to deal with a real
problem.”

To read more, visit www.farmers-mart.co.uk