The balance of nature dictates that on average an equal number of male and female calves are born to dairy cows. Generally, the females are reared to join the milking herd and the males can either be reared for beef, if suitable, or sold for veal. Official estimates indicate that more than three quarters of all male calves born to the dairy herd are reared for beef in the UK.

Where no other viable options exist, farmers have no choice but to cull their bull calves.