Bobby calves are mostly male calves, not required for the milking herd.

On a dairy farm, more calves are generally born than are required for the milking herd or can be reared for meat production. These calves, mostly male, are known as bobby calves. 

Bobby calves are typically sent to a saleyard or abattoir when they are five days old or older. Strict industry standards ensure their welfare throughout transportation and handling.

Many of these calves are used for veal in food products or for hides in leather goods.

A growing number of farmers are able to rear these calves, either themselves or with professional rearers, to become beef animals.

Unfortunately, not all male calves can be reared for beef due to lack of market opportunity. In instances where other pathways are not viable, calves are euthanised at birth.

The dairy and red meat industries are investing in research to find sustainable alternative pathways for bobby calves.