Transport

Question 1

Health and fitness for travel

Answer 1

Must be in good health and fir for the journey. Injuried, sick or heavily pregnant animals should not be transported unless under veterinary supervision.
Should be examined for signs of illness, injury, lameness, dehydration, respiratory issues prior to travel

Question 2

Behavioural needs when traveling

Answer 2

Adequate rest periods must be provided to prevent stress and fatigue, should not be transported continuously without rest, feed, and water.
Gental handling techniques to minimise stress, electric probes are discouraged unless absolutely necessary

Question 3

Transport conditions

Answer 3

Vehicles should be designed to protect cattle from adverse weather, provide adequate ventilation, and prevent injury. Non-slip and clean floors.
Sufficient space to allow cattle to stand in natural positions and lie down if needed. Avoid overcrowding to reduce stress and risk of injury.
Acess to feed and water before and during transport if the journey exceeds a certain duration (12 hours)

Question 4

Loading and unloading

Answer 4

Designed to minimse the risk of injury and stress, gentle sloping ramps and non-slip surface.
Calm handling

Question 5

Transporter responsibilities

Answer 5

Early planning, confirm date, time and destination with farmer.
Communicate at least 12-24 hours before scheduled pick up to allow time for animal preparation.
Only accept cows that are fit for transport, must have veterinary certificate if unfit, all conditions must be complied with.
Regular stops to check the animals condition and welfare, first check within 30 mins, and at least every 2 hours. Lactating cows should not be without water for more than 12 hours and without food for less than 24.
Operate vehicle in a way that prevents animals from falling or being injured.
Use vehicle cover when needed to protect cows from weather conditions

Question 6

Farmer responsibilities

Answer 6

Animals must be well-prepared for travel.
Only select animals that are fit for transport.
Try fully dry cows prior to transport to slaughter, milk cows as close to transport if possible.
Choose closest location and shortest travel time.
Supplement with extra calcium and magnesium to prevent milk fever. Discuss with your vet.
Take cows off green feed for 4-12 hours prior to pick up. Provide roughage and water until loaded.
Rest cows in a grazed off paddock before transport.

Question 7

Selecting animals for transport

Answer 7

Proper care when deciding if it is appropriate to transport certain animals.
Pregnancy considerations.
Fitness for journey.
Weight bearing, must be able to stand on all limbs.
Lame animals should not be transported, except by regulation 40 of the Animal welfare regulations.
An animal with horns or antlers must be transported in a way where they are not a risk to themself or others.
Animals with bleeding or unhealed antlers should not be transported. except by regulation 39 of the animal welfare regulations.
Not transported within 7 days of being casterated or having their tails docked.
Animals must not be transported in they display injures, signs of disease, etc. Unless they have a Vet certificate.