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Beef Breeder MANUAL
4.3.7. In-Transit Care
Cattle should be inspected within the irst 30 minutes of their journey to ensure their wellbeing, and about every
three hours thereafter, or more often if the opportunity presents. When inspecting the cattle during transit, key
things to be observant for include;
• All of the cattle are standing - any that are down should be assisted to regain their footing, or if
necessary oloaded and treated for any injuries that have been incurred
• No animals are exhibiting signs of heat or cold stress •
Animals are breathing normally, and are not exhibiting abnormal behaviour in the pens.
Cattle should be unloaded, inspected, and rested during extended journeys according to their age and
class Table 4.4. During the rest and recovery period, they should be provided with water and hay up until
recommencement of the journey. Cattle that are in poor condition, pregnant, or have calves at foot may
need to be rested sooner.
Throughout the journey, the truck driver needs to be able to maintain contact with persons receiving the
cattle, particularly if a change in arrival time is expected.
4.3.8. Unloading
Cattle must be unloaded as soon as practically possible once they arrive at their destination. During unloading,
the animals should be given the opportunity to walk quietly of the truck. Thereafter, cattle should be placed
onto feed and water as soon as possible if not destined for immediate slaughter. For cattle that have been
of feed for some time, good quality palatable hay is desirable.
Once the cattle have been unloaded from the vehicle, it should be washed clean after each load to maintain
good hygiene and biosecurity procedures.
4.3.9. Transporting in Extreme Weather
Wherever possible, cattle should not be transported in extreme hot, cold, wet, or windy weather. It is particularly
important to avoid transporting wet cattle during very cold weather. Water on the coat of the animal reduces
its insulating qualities, and in extreme cold can lead to ice formation on the coat that extends to the skin and
the onset of hypothermia and subsequent death. When the air temperature falls below 10
o
C, adding bedding material such as straw to the loor of the pens
provides good insulation against the cold, particularly if any cattle go down during the journey Fig. 4.18 and
helps the animals keep dry. For trailers with adjustable vents, these may be selectively
closed of while travelling to reduce the efect of wind chill in the trailer. However adequate ventilation needs
to be maintained at all times to prevent development of respiratory issues.
Class Maximum time of water
hours Minimum rest duration
hours Cattle over 6 months old
Calves 30 days to 6 months old Lactating cows with calves at foot
Calves 5–30 days old travelling without mothers Cattle known to be more than 6 months
pregnant, excluding the last 4 weeks 48
24 24
18 24
36 12
12 -
12
Table 4.4. Maximum travel time and minimum rest periods required for cattle when undertaking long journeys.
Source: Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines, Land Transport of Livestock, 2012.
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Cold Winter Climates
Figure 4.18. Bedding material is required in very cold conditions to provide insulation, particularly if animals go down during the trip. Source: Unknown.
Correct livestock loading density reduces the risks of heat stress on hot days, and frostbite on cold days
by allowing individual animals experiencing extreme temperature to reposition themselves away from the
source of discomfort. Provision of high nutritional value forage to cattle after prolonged exposure to the cold
during transport will assist with recovery.
4.4. Australian Health Status
Kategori