The organic accreditation body has asked its farmers to draw up transition plans from January 2010.

The association said felt that ending the practice, together with an existing prohibition on exporting live calves, would further elevate organic animal welfare standards.

Director of farmer and grower relations, Phil Stocker, said: “Most of our members agree that culling and disposing of young calves is wasteful and a symptom of an unsustainable farming system. The change is also in line with the government’s food security agenda and calls from animal welfare organisations.”

He said there were good alternatives to ensure male dairy calves become a useful resource while giving them quality of life.

“Many farmers are evolving their breeding strategies towards more dual purpose strains, giving greater levels of robustness while avoiding poor conformation male calves. Others are working to grow the UK organic rose veal market, as well as collaborating to rear calves more cost effectively,” he said.

Farmers Guardian - 8/1/10