The study aimed to assess the prevalence of locomotory system disorders within a wide cross-sectional study in 174 veal calves farms and to investigate risk factors associated to disorders with a relevant prevalence (>1%). A representative sample of the European veal production systems was considered in the three major producing countries (100 in NL, 50 in FR, 24 in IT). One batch/farm was observed in three stages of the fattening. At each visit calves with evidence of bursitis, hoof lesions, joint lesions, and lameness were recorded. A set of production system descriptors gathered by an interview to the farmer were considered as potential risks. Results showed an average prevalence ≤1% of calves for hoof and joint lesions, and lameness at any stage. Bursitis was observed on 0.2%, 4.1% and 11.2% of calves at 3, 13 wks and at the end of fattening, respectively. Risk factors for bursitis were linked to concrete and wooden slatted floors, to space allowance ≤1.8 m2/calf, and floors aged <8 years while type of housing system (small vs. large groups) was not relevant. There was a significant interaction between stage of fattening and type of floor on bursitis. At the early stage, slatted and bedded floor were similar while at the end of the fattening the highest least mean was observed for calves on concrete floors. Bedding materials had a preventive effect. Rubber or straw should be largely adopted for veal calves as alternative solutions to hard floors in order to improve animals’ comfort, locomotory system health and welfare status
