Special-fed veal calves: overview of production methods and drug needs

Current American special-fed veal production methods and the results of a concerted and effective quality assurance effort are reviewed. The veal industry has been successful in markedly reducing the frequency of violative chemical concentrations (including antibiotics) according to Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) monitoring programs. The relation of drug availability and animal well-being is discussed. The need for increased availability of safe and effective treatments, primarily for enteric and respiratory use, is emphasized by the large number of source dairy farms and marketing facilities represented within a group of veal (or dairy-beef) calves started by a producer. The veal calf is a preruminant and as such is not covered by calf/cattle labels; effects of animal age and diet on drug metabolism and excretion are discussed. The greatest need for drugs is during the first 4 to 6 weeks of the 16- to 18-week production cycle, allowing a potential 10- to 14-week withdrawal period for drugs used early in the production cycle. The drugs most frequently used in the veal industry under Extra-Label Drug Use (ELDU) provisions and valid Veterinarian/Client/Patient Relationships (VCPR), most of which have calf/cattle labels are listed.