@JeremyCherfas It was the keeping in the dark aspect that surprised me. Crates were NEVER used. Ergo, critters being unable to move or turn around was not a factor. My uncle Lew only had 60 acres and was quite strict with "bobby calves," considered them a major drain on his resources and sold them for slaughter asap.
Our farm was twice the size with fertile river flats comprising 25% of the area. Dad could afford to keep them longer & sell them as vealers.