Transport Considerations

What is it?

Nearly all beef cattle will be transported at some point in their lives, whether it be to an auction mart, a new farm, or the abattoir. As transport is an important part of the livestock industry, the welfare of cattle during transportation is a highly regulated process and certain considerations must be made.  

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates livestock transport in Canada under Part XII of the Health of Animals Regulations [1]. The CFIA is responsible for aspects such as animal handling, animal fitness, and transit duration. These regulations were updated in February 2020 to reflect new transit durations. This includes a new maximum of 36 hours (previously 48 hours) for weaned animals and a maximum of 12 hours (previously 18 hours) for pre-weaned animals without feed, water, or rest. A rest period of at least 8 hours is required after the maximum time for all animal groups.  

Some aspects of animal transport, such as the maximum trailer length, are regulated at the provincial and territorial levels. Additionally, the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle includes protocols and recommended practices for pre-transport decision-making and preparation for transport, as well as loading and receiving cattle [2]. 

Using responsible and experienced livestock transporters is important in ensuring animal wellbeing. A transport course, called the Canadian Livestock Transport Certificate Program, is an available resource to aid in the training of personnel involved in livestock transport [3]. The course covers topics such as animal welfare, fitness for transport, animal behaviour and handling, and laws and regulations.  

Cattle have different risk factors related to transport. Various factors such as age, stress, and illness can affect their risk, ranging from low risk to high risk [4].  

Steps should be taken to reduce the cattle’s stress during transport. This includes ensuring the cattle are loaded properly and at an appropriate density, have adequate bedding and ventilation, and eat and drink within five hours of loading [4]. Additionally, cattle should not be transported when the weather is too hot or too cold.  

Another consideration during transport is the meat and carcass quality, as bruising can cost the industry an estimated $1.90/head [5]. Bruising can be prevented through dehorning calves, using non-slip flooring in transport trailers, and using low-stress handling principles.   

How Does it Prevent AMR?

By providing proper consideration to which cattle are fit for transport, as well as reducing stress before, during, and after transport, cattle are less likely to get sick as a result of transportation.