Importance of Good Transport

• Transport of animals is a critical stage in the livestock production chain.
• Poor transport conditions compromise animal welfare, increase mortality, reduce productivity, and cause significant economic losses.
• Good transport practices ensure minimal stress, reduced injuries, and maintenance of production quality.

A. Animal Welfare Aspects of Good Transport

• Ensures animals are not subjected to unnecessary stress, fear, or exhaustion.
• Reduces risk of injuries such as bruises, fractures, or abrasions.
• Maintains the five freedoms during transit: freedom from hunger, thirst, discomfort, pain, fear, and freedom to express normal postural needs.
• Prevents heat stress or cold stress by ensuring ventilation and proper stocking density.
• Reduces exposure to fatigue and dehydration, which commonly occur during long journeys.

B. Physiological Importance

• Good transport minimizes stress-induced physiological changes such as:

1. Increased cortisol and adrenaline levels, which indicate stress.
2. Suppression of immune response, which can increase disease susceptibility.
3. Metabolic imbalances, like dehydration and electrolyte loss, leading to poor recovery.

• Animals transported under good conditions maintain homeostasis better than those under poor transport.

C. Economic Importance

• Reduces mortality rates during transit, especially in poultry and pigs.
• Minimizes meat quality issues such as:

1. Pale, soft, exudative (PSE) meat in pigs.
2. Dark, firm, dry (DFD) meat in cattle.

• Lowers costs related to injuries, veterinary care, and production losses.
• Improves market value of animals by maintaining good physical condition.

D. Disease Control and Biosecurity

• Proper transport reduces the spread of infectious diseases between regions.
• Good cleaning and disinfection of vehicles prevent cross-contamination.
• Healthy animals transported under welfare-friendly conditions have higher resistance to infections compared to stressed animals.

E. Legal and Ethical Importance

• Many countries have specific animal transport regulations under animal welfare laws.
• Compliance ensures ethical treatment of animals and avoids legal penalties.
• Reflects positively on the reputation of producers, traders, and the livestock sector.

F. Key Elements of Good Transport

• Pre-transport preparation: fasting animals appropriately, providing water, checking health status.
• Vehicle design: proper ventilation, flooring to prevent slipping, space allowance per animal.
• Journey management: avoid overcrowding, provide water and rest on long trips.
• Handling practices: gentle loading and unloading to minimize fear and injuries.
• Trained personnel: handlers and drivers should be knowledgeable about animal behavior and welfare.

G. Welfare Consequences of Poor Transport

• Increased stress, exhaustion, and mortality.
• Injuries and fractures leading to economic and welfare losses.
• Reduced reproductive performance in breeding animals.
• Lower meat, milk, and egg quality due to stress-induced changes.
• Public concern and loss of consumer confidence in animal products.