The Beef Checkoff recently released an updated Veal Quality Assurance (VQA) program. The VQA program brings consistency and uniformity to on-farm care to result in a safe, wholesome, quality veal product. By being VQA-certified, veal farmers are helping to build trust and confidence in that product and demonstrating a commitment to quality to consumers.

“The updated Veal Quality Assurance program encourages increased veterinary interaction with veal producers,” says Wisconsin veterinarian Dr. Vicky Lauer. “This interaction will help decrease antibiotic usage in calves, and ensure a quality product for consumers that is free of all residues.”

As part of VQA, veal farmers must meet quality production practices in areas such as:
– Calf health and treatment records
– Barn preparation sanitation for each new herd
– Barn ventilation, lighting and herd health and safety
– Calf nutrition, watering and transportation
– Rules, regulations and laws
– Nutrient management

The manual contains specific recommendations relevant to dairy producers, such as:
– Dairy farmers should note that when anticipating transporting male bull calves to veal farms, many medications approved for use in dairy calves are prohibited for use in veal calves and will quickly cause violative residues when administered to veal calves.
– Hormone implants are strictly prohibited for use in veal calves.
– For veal producers and farmers selling dairy bull calves that may be marketed soon, use only products that are approved in pre-ruminant calves. Avoid any products with the statement “not for use in calves to be processed for veal”.
– Famers should consult FARAD’s VetGRAM search for products that are approved in veal.