Abstract
Simple SummaryCattle are transported at least once in their lives, primarily associated with marketing. In Chile one of the main channels for selling animals is auctions. At auction markets, the procedures associated with transport of livestock (loading, unloading and travel) are at least duplicated, affecting their welfare. The aims of this study were to describe the procedures associated with transport and handling of calves (cattle < 9 months old) during marketing through auctions, and to evaluate compliance with Chilean law. A survey of drivers who transport calves from originating farms to markets (OM) and from markets to destination farms (MD) was performed. During loading and unloading, handling by stockpersons, facilities, calf fitness for transport, and behaviour were evaluated using protocols. Most drivers claimed having the training required by law, used bedding material, and provided adequate space for the animals; most OM and MD journeys were less than 2 h. Most calves were assessed as fit for transport. Calves slipped often and some practices associated with poor handling were still observed, mainly during loading. Compliance with the law during transport of calves was adhered to; however, associated handling during unloading and loading is still inadequate, evidencing a need for training. In Chile, selling animals through livestock markets is common. At markets, stressful events like loading, unloading and travel are at least duplicated. We described procedures associated with transport of calves at 20 markets and evaluated compliance with Chilean law by performing a survey of drivers who transport calves from origin farms to markets (OM) and from markets to destination (MD). During loading and unloading, we evaluated handling by stockpersons, facilities, fitness for transport, and behavioural indicators of the calves through direct observation using protocols. A total of 80% of drivers claimed having the training required by law. The mean travel time was 1 h 31 min for OM and 1 h 44 min for MD journeys (overall range 5 min–40.5 h). Most drivers used bedding material and provided adequate space availability. A total of 99.2% of the observed calves were assessed as fit to transport; slipping, turning back, vocalizing and balking were frequent behaviours observed during loading and unloading. Prohibited practices like prodding and hitting using driving devices were still observed, mainly during loading. Compliance with the law during transport of calves was adhered to; however, the associated handling within markets was still inadequate, evidencing need for training in order to improve animal welfare.
Highlights
Cattle are transported at least once in their lives, and this transportation is usually linked with marketing
The fact that we found that 74.1% of the drivers surveyed stated that they planned their journeys, and 56.6% mentioned having a contingency plan to face emergency situations indicates that the training courses include these contents, and that the drivers are acting which should lead towards improving animal welfare during transport
In a recent study at some of these markets, we found an association between the proportion of negative tactile interactions by handlers and noisy and inappropriate driving with the presentation of behaviours related to movement of calves through auction markets, like slips, falls, balks, turn, and jumps [6]
Summary
Cattle are transported at least once in their lives, and this transportation is usually linked with marketing. In the two latter cases, calves must be sold/bought, and auction markets are one of the most popular marketing channels within Chile. During 2018, 940,397 cattle were auctioned in Chilean markets, 37% of which were calves [4]. When animals are marketed through auctions, transport and fasting times are extended, and the times that they are loaded, unloaded, handled, held in unfamiliar surroundings and mixed with unfamiliar animals is multiplied several times [5]. Handling and facility features have been reported to affect the welfare of calves within Chilean markets [6]. In the case of beef calves, weaning stress is added, because this process is often carried out just before loading for sale. Weaning followed by transport are considered as maximal stressors for beef calves [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
