Italy: Calves as an unwanted by-product of buffalo mozzarella production
The investigative material shows that adult female buffaloes also suffer under the miserable husbandry conditions.
47 million kilograms of «Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP» were produced in Italy in 2017. To meet the high demand for this luxury cheese, many Italian farmers prioritise efficiency over animal welfare. An investigation carried out by VIER PFOTEN in August 2018 reveals that male buffalo calves in particular suffer as a result.
Regarded as a worthless by-product, the young animals are often deliberately and severely neglected. If they do not die as a result of the poor husbandry conditions, they are slaughtered on average 30 days after birth.
«The footage shows calves that have apparently been lying dead on the ground for some time — in full view of the other buffaloes. Other live calves were so emaciated they could barely stand,» reports VIER PFOTEN farm animal expert Hanna Zedlacher. «Around 30 days after birth, the calves are old enough to be transported to the slaughterhouse. In 2017 alone, over 52’000 buffalo calves were legally killed in Italy.»
The suffering of the buffaloes
To keep up with increased demand, many Italian buffalo farmers rely on intensive animal husbandry. This means little to no access to pasture for the animals. The barns and the animals themselves are filthy. Many of the buffaloes suffer from overgrown hooves, tumours, and untreated injuries.
Buffalo farms in focus since 2014
As far back as the summer of 2014, the animal welfare organisation drew attention to the dire situation of buffaloes kept in Italy. Yet the demands made at the time are still not being met everywhere, even four years later.
«Only buffalo mozzarella from animal-friendly farms should be sold. The unnecessary killing of these animals must come to an end,» demands Zedlacher.
The business of buffalo milk
74% of the approximately 400,000 buffalo living in Italy are raised in Campania. There are a total of 2,212 buffalo farms across the country. The main buyers of this luxury cheese are France, Germany, Great Britain, the USA, Switzerland, and Spain. More on Animal Rights.
