Yes, all dairies will have male calves. And yes, organic only refers to what the mothers are fed. It seems there are no notable differences specified in organic standards that would require calves to be treated any different to calves from non-organic dairies.
One can hope that people running organic dairies are more conscious of animal welfare, or at least that because organic farms are generally smaller, they may have more time to tend to individual animals. But without visiting a farm yourself it's really hard to know. And ultimately all dairies will have to find some way to 'dispose' of male calves - whether it is selling them to be raised for beef or breeding stock, or sent to the slaughterhouse at 5 days of age.
And this note posted to an Animals Australia discussion board, would seem to suggest that at least some organic dairies seem to have little regard (disdain even) for animal welfare.
My friend just received the following unbelievably offensive, unprofessional and patronising email from Organic Valley WA in response to her enquiry re their dairy practices:
"The cows at Organic Valley have a wonderful life. The cows are housed in a exotic mansion that consists of 12 double bedrooms & 12 Bathrooms. Each Bathroom has its own invigorating, organic, mineral-water spa. Sometimes as a treat the cows are allowed to fill the spa with Cleopatrica's bath milk. It's great for their complexions you know!
In the morning they are given a choice of a Traditional Thai Massage or a Swedish massage, using only organic essential oils. This is followed in the afternoon with a Reflexology & Foot Massage. For those cows that are particularly fatigued after their massages, a travelator has been installed to allow them to move at their leisure from one side of the farm to the other.
Tail docking, what's that? Our calves have beautiful, glossy, hairy tails. A qualified hairdresser comes in every day to give all the cows & the calves a shampoo & blow-wave, using only premium organic shampoo, of course.
We have a special nursery for our Bobby Calves where they are instructed in the latest Montessori & Suzuki theory of raising a well-balanced, confident calf with no self esteem issues. All the Bobby Calf drawings are framed & displayed on the dairy wall for all to admire & a gallery is going to be built shortly.
We sincerely hope that this has addressed all your concerns & we look forward to hearing from you soon.
Cheers from Exhausted Sally,
Head Massager Organic Valley
P.S. Daisy & the gang, said to say Hi"
I am in shock!
