The letter from Debbie Cox protesting about the live transport of male dairy calves to the continent raises a number of interesting points. (Calves kept in appalling conditions, Letters, September 14) Most farmers care deeply for their animals and would be horrified to see them treated badly.

The growing power of the supermarkets means that the price a farmer receives for selling a pint of milk is often less than it costs to produce.

Those concerned about animal welfare might want to ask the supermarket why they do not pay farmers a price that reflects the cost of producing milk and ultimately encourages the live export of calves.

ANDREW SHIRLEY Grenfell Road Tooting Junction