Transporting Livestock Safely: Guidelines for Ensuring Animal Welfare

As a livestock keeper, it is likely that you will need to transport animals at some point. Like any farmer, you are required to comply with the relevant legislation associated with transporting livestock. Farmers have a legal responsibility to ensure that their livestock is transported in a manner that does not cause injury or unnecessary suffering.

Typically, early morning or evening is the most suitable time to move animals, as the increase in temperature directly affects animals during transit. In particular, pigs may die when environmental conditions are high. It is important to drive steadily, especially on sharp turns.

The person responsible for the transportation of livestock has a duty to ensure that the journey is made carefully, avoiding sudden stops and starts, as well as any unnecessary delays.

It is essential to ensure the well-being of animals and prevent harm and needless suffering during loading, transportation, and unloading.

Below is more information on the specific actions that need to be taken:

Animals must be adequately secured and shielded from any unsecured or inadequate fittings during transportation. This precaution helps prevent animals from falling, slipping, or being jostled.

It is important to use proper restraints such as harnesses or crates to ensure their safety. Tight fittings also reduce the possibility of animals hurting each other or themselves due to unstable conditions.

Animal weather protection: Animals need protection from both hot and cold weather extremes. In colder weather, adequate insulation and protection from freezing temperatures should be provided. This may involve using the right bedding, insulation, or blankets to keep the temperature inside the transport vehicle comfortable.

In hotter areas, providing shade, ventilation, and access to water is essential to prevent overheating. Prolonged exposure to severe temperatures can lead to stress, heatstroke, hypothermia, and other weather-related health issues.

Providing adequate ventilation: Animals transported in confined spaces must have access to proper ventilation to ensure a constant flow of fresh air. This helps maintain a comfortable temperature and reduces the buildup of ammonia and other noxious gases from urine and feces.

Ventilation systems should be designed to prevent drafts, as sudden changes in air movement can stress animals. Additionally, ventilation systems should consider the specific needs of different animal species to ensure optimal air quality and comfort during transportation.

Important things to know when transporting livestock on your farm:

1. Prepare the livestock.
2. Check identification, declaration, and moving requirements.
3. Check that livestock is fit to load.
4. Ensure that the mode of transportation is appropriate.
5. Transport and unload the livestock safely.

Transporting unfit animals or those likely to give birth:

Transporting unfit animals or those likely to give birth has been banned or restricted in many jurisdictions due to the increasing risks to their health and welfare. If you need to transport them, the following guidelines should be followed:

a). Feed, water, and general care:

The owner or driver of the vehicle is responsible for providing feed, water, and general care during transportation. They must ensure that the animals have access to suitable and sufficient amounts of food and water throughout the journey.

Animals' specialized dietary and hydration needs must be met to prevent dehydration, malnutrition, and other related health problems. General care also involves regularly checking the animals' health and addressing any signs of suffering or discomfort.

b). Supply of a companion:

It is the owner's or driver's responsibility to provide a companion to travel with the animals. The companion's role is to monitor the animals, ensure their welfare, and handle any problems or emergencies that may arise during the journey. The companion should be trained to recognize signs of stress, illness, or injury and have experience handling animals.

c). Preventing harm and suffering:

To protect their comfort and reduce the possibility of harm and suffering, animals should not be packed too tightly inside the vehicle. Crowding can lead to increased stress, limited mobility, poor ventilation, and other negative effects.

Sufficient room should be provided for each animal to stand, lie down, and turn around without feeling cramped. Proper loading and arrangement of the animals should be done to avoid congestion and maintain a secure and suitable environment.

Separation of animals during transportation:

Cattle should not be transported with sheep or goats. Sheep and goats have different habits, requirements, and vulnerabilities compared to cattle. Transporting these species together can cause injuries, increased stress, and competition for resources.

Larger and less maneuverable cattle may trample or harm sheep and goats, as they are more agile. It is advised to transport sheep and goats separately from cattle to prevent potential confrontations and ensure the welfare of all animals.

Pigs should not be carried in the same vehicle, divided or undivided, with other species. Pigs have distinct behaviors and physiological requirements that may not align with those of other species.

Mixing pigs with other animals during transportation can result in aggressive behavior, injuries, or even cannibalism. Pigs are known to be territorial and may become stressed or aggressive when confined with unfamiliar animals.

To prevent these issues and ensure the welfare of pigs and other species, it is advised to transport pigs separately, either in dedicated vehicles or compartments.

Cows with suckling calves should not be carried together with a bull over 10 months of age. Bulls, especially older ones, can pose a risk to suckling calves and nursing cows. Bulls may exhibit aggressive behavior, which can cause distress and potential harm to the young calves and their mothers.

To avoid injuries and ensure the safety of the calves and nursing cows, it is recommended to separate bulls over 10 months of age from cows with suckling calves during transportation.

Sows or mother pigs with piglets or young pigs should not be carried together with a boar or a male pig over 6 months. Boars, particularly mature ones, can be aggressive towards piglets, young pigs, and nursing sows.

Mixing boars with sows and their young can lead to injuries and distress. To protect the piglets, young pigs, and sows, it is advised to transport them separately from the boars, ensuring their safety and minimizing stress.

A mare and a foal should not be carried together with a stallion. Stallions can display territorial behavior and become aggressive towards other horses, including foals and mares. Separating stallions from mares and foals during transportation helps prevent potential injuries and ensures a calmer environment for all the horses involved.

Guidelines and regulations to protect the welfare of animals during loading, transportation, and unloading, ensuring their safety, comfort, and overall well-being throughout the journey:

Use of vehicle ramps or suitable equipment:

Animals should be loaded and unloaded using vehicle ramps or other appropriate equipment separate from the vehicle itself, such as loading banks or special lifting gear. This ensures a smooth and controlled transition, reducing the risk of falls, slips, or other injuries during the process.

Providing separate ramps or equipment allows animals to be guided safely onto or off the vehicle, minimizing their stress and potential harm.

Usage of acceptable materials for non-slip surfaces:

If the vehicle flooring is not designed to be non-slip, it is advised to use sand, dry grass, or other suitable materials to create a non-slip surface. This keeps animals stable during loading and unloading, preventing them from slipping and hurting themselves.

Prohibition of overcrowding:

Overcrowding animals during transportation is strictly prohibited to prevent injury and unnecessary suffering. Adequate space should be provided for each animal to stand, lie down, and turn around comfortably.

Overcrowding can lead to stress, restricted movement, increased heat buildup, and the risk of trampling or injuries among the animals. Ensuring sufficient space prioritizes the welfare of the animals.

Feed and water provision:

Animals must have access to sufficient and proper feed and water during transportation. Water and food should be provided regularly, with no more than 12 hours between feedings. However, if the journey is completed within 15 hours after the last feeding, feed and water can be provided immediately.

This ensures that the animals' nutritional and hydration needs are met, enhancing their well-being throughout the journey.

Transporting unfit animals and those likely to give birth:

Generally, unfit animals and those likely to give birth during the journey are not allowed to travel unless written permission from a veterinary doctor is obtained. This restriction is in place to protect the health and welfare of such animals, as they may be more susceptible to injuries, stress, or complications during transportation.

Veterinary permission ensures that the specific needs and risks associated with the pregnant animal are taken into account.

Addressing unfit animals during the journey:

If an animal becomes unfit during the journey, it should be taken to the nearest location for treatment or slaughter. This ensures that animals in distress or with severe health issues are attended to promptly, either to receive necessary medical care or to prevent further suffering through humane slaughter.

Handling of carcasses:

Carcasses or bodies of dead animals, unless they died or were slaughtered during the journey, should not be transported in the same vehicles as living animals. When carcasses arrive, they should be disposed of separately from the living animals at the nearest location. This procedure prevents living animals from being exposed to potential health hazards, pollution, or distress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as a responsible livestock keeper, it is crucial to prioritize the welfare of animals during transportation. Complying with relevant legislation and following guidelines can help ensure their safety, comfort, and overall well-being throughout the journey.

By taking precautions such as securing animals properly, providing weather protection, ensuring adequate ventilation, and avoiding overcrowding, we can minimize the risks of injury, stress, and suffering. Additionally, addressing the specific needs of different species and separating incompatible animals during transportation further promotes their welfare.

The use of appropriate equipment, non-slip surfaces, and sufficient space, along with provisions for feed and water, are essential considerations. Recognizing the importance of transporting fit animals and seeking veterinary permission when necessary demonstrates our commitment to their health and minimizing potential risks.

Remember, transportation is a crucial aspect of animal care, and every effort should be made to ensure that it is carried out with utmost consideration for the welfare of the animals involved. By being knowledgeable, prepared, and compassionate, we can make a positive difference in the lives of the animals we care for and uphold the values of responsible livestock keeping.