Transportation of cattle by road

Abstract

Cattle are transported by road, rail, sea and air for purposes of breeding, fattening or slaughter. In terms of volume transported and economic importance, the most significant trade is the road transportation of cattle to slaughter and is the main subject of this review. Recent research has attempted to identify situations in the transport chain that are stressful or hazardous to the cattle, or that lower carcass- and meat quality. Experimental evidence suggests that the most stressful aspect of the transportation chain for cattle is confinement on a moving vehicle. Confinement on a stationary vehicle, loading/unloading and repenning in a new environment are correspondingly less stressful events. Of particular interest is animal behaviour during confinement on a moving vehicle and how the animals respond to variations in space allowance, pen size, social regrouping and vehicle movement. The most common hazard on the moving vehicle is overloading, which greatly increases the risk of animal injury and damage to carcass and meat quality. Other major influences on cattle welfare during road transport are the quality of stockmanship and driving care, the structure and finish of stockcrates and accessories, and road conditions. For example, one-third of events where cattle were floored during transport were caused by loss of balance during cornering. Transport of cattle is inevitably associated with a degree of quantifiable stress, but distress should not occur. Distress may be avoided by observing statutory rest periods on long journeys, good animal handling, considerate driving technique, and by using correctly designed pens, loading ramps and stockcrates.