The crates are also too narrow to permit the calf to turn
around.This isanothersourceof frustration.Inaddition,a
stalltoonarrowtoturnaroundinisalsotoonarrowtogroom
comfortablyin;andcalveshaveaninnatedesiretotwisttheir
headsaround andgroomthemselves withtheirtongues.As
the University of Bristol researchers said:
Becausevealcalvesgrowsofastandproducesomuchheat
theytendtoshedtheircoatsatabout 10 weeksofage.During
thistimetheyhaveagreaturgetogroomthemselves.They
are also particularly prone to infestation with external
parasites,especiallyinmild,humidconditions.Vealcalvesin
crates cannotreach muchoftheir body.We conclude that
denying the veal calf the opportunity to groom itself
thoroughlyisanunacceptableinsulttowelfarewhetherthisis
achievedbyconstrainingitsfreedomofmovementor,worse,
by the use of a muzzle.^95
A slatted wooden floor without any bedding is hard and
uncomfortable;itisroughonthecalves’kneesastheygetup
and lie down. In addition, animals with hooves are
uncomfortableonslattedfloors.Aslattedfloorislikeacattle
grid,whichcattlealwaysavoid,exceptthattheslatsarecloser
together.Thespaces,however,muststillbelargeenoughto
allowmostofthemanuretofallorbewashedthrough,and
this means that theyare large enough to make the calves
uncomfortableonthem.TheBristolteamdescribedtheyoung
calves as“for some days insecureand reluctant to change
position.”
Theyoungcalvessorelymisstheirmothers.Theyalsomiss
somethingtosuckon.Theurgetosuckisstronginababy
calf,asitisinababyhuman.Thesecalveshavenoteatto