Preparing Animals for Transport Loading

95 Cold Winter Climates Figure 4.15. Live cattle transport trailers converted from shipping containers. Source: ExpoTrade.

4.3.4. Preparing Animals for Transport

Planning the transportation of cattle should begin well before the trucking date. Where possible, groups of cattle to be transported should be formed at least three weeks prior to transport to allow social order to be established. These groups should then be brought to the yards using low stress cattle handling techniques and allowed to settle prior to loading. Animal welfare and meat quality standards are best met by providing access to dry feed and water to cattle right up to the point of loading, particularly if they are embarking on a long journey. In circumstances where transportation time is minimal, a four-hour period without access to feed and water before trucking helps empty out the cattle and keep excreta on the truck loor to a minimum.

4.3.5. Loading

Loading ramps need to be in good condition to allow cattle to load safely. Single ile loading ramps work best under most situations, and if possible they should have fully enclosed sides so that the cattle cannot see out. After reversing the vehicle or lining up the side of the trailer to the ramp, there must not be any gap between the loor and sides of the truck and the ramp. This prevents any cattle from catching their feet as they move from the ramp into the truck during loading or unloading. If there is a gap, then a sheet of plate steel should be used to cover any gap present. Well-designed ramps will have a steel plate that folds down between the back of the trucktrailer and the ramp. Cattle need to be loaded quietly and calmly. They also need to be loaded tightly enough to give each other support but not so tight as to result in sufocation, injury or trampling. Cattle of a similar size or weight should be loaded together in pens, and horned cattle should be transported in separate pens to cattle without horns. Ensure gates or doors on the transport vehicle have been fastened securely before it leaves the ramp; this is 96 Beef Breeder MANUAL easily overlooked. Transportation should commence as soon as possible once the animals have been loaded.

4.3.6. Loading Density