Stages of Transport in Animals

Transport of animals involves several stages, each with specific welfare implications. Good management at every stage ensures minimal stress, safety, and productivity.

A. Pre-Transport Stage (Preparation)

a. Health and Fitness Check

• Only healthy and fit animals should be selected for transport.
• Sick, injured, heavily pregnant, or very young animals should not be transported.

b. Feeding and Watering

• Provide adequate feed and water before the journey.
• Fasting may be done for a few hours in some species (e.g., pigs and poultry) to reduce motion sickness and waste contamination.

c. Identification and Documentation

• Proper records, permits, and animal identification (ear tags, microchips) must be arranged.

d. Planning the Journey

• Route, duration, rest stops, and destination facilities must be considered in advance.

B. Loading Stage

a. Handling

• Animals should be handled calmly and quietly using low-stress techniques.
• Avoid use of sticks, electric prods, or rough handling.

b. Loading Ramps and Equipment

• Ramps should have gentle slopes (less than 20° for cattle, less than 25° for sheep).
• Non-slip flooring prevents falls and injuries.

c. Grouping of Animals

• Group animals by size, age, and species to avoid aggression.
• Avoid mixing unfamiliar animals, which may cause fighting.

C. Journey Stage (Transport in Transit)

a. Vehicle Design

• Proper ventilation to prevent heat stress.
• Adequate space allowance to prevent overcrowding.
• Secure partitions to prevent crushing or piling.

b. Journey Management

• Avoid sudden starts, stops, or sharp turns that cause animals to lose balance.
• Long journeys should include rest stops for feeding, watering, and recovery.
• Maintain temperature and humidity within the animal’s comfort range.

c. Monitoring

• Handlers should observe animals regularly for signs of distress, fatigue, or injury.

D. Unloading Stage

a. Calm and Controlled Handling

• Animals should be unloaded gently to minimize fear and stress.
• Ramps should be well-lit and non-slippery.

b. Avoid Overcrowding

• Animals should not be rushed out, to prevent injury and suffocation.

c. Immediate Care

• Injured or sick animals should be separated and treated promptly.

E. Post-Transport Stage (Recovery)

a. Rest and Recovery

• Provide animals with feed, water, and rest after transport.
• Allow time for animals to regain normal physiological condition.

b. Observation

• Monitor for signs of stress, dehydration, lameness, or disease.

c. Meat Quality and Productivity

• Proper recovery minimizes stress-related meat defects (DFD in cattle, PSE in pigs) and helps maintain production performance.