Text-only version of System Elements:
People
Auctioneers help facilitate the sale of cattle at an auction. Producers are able to sell their cattle, and buyers are able to purchase their desired livestock.
Transporters are involved with bringing the cattle from the cow/calf ranch to auction, and from auction to the feedlot. Livestock transporters are trained in proper animal care and handling practices.
Goals
The main objectives of sale and transport are to transfer the cattle to suitable facilities for efficient growth, and have the cattle arrive at the intended location safely and in good condition.
Infrastructure
Processing facilities such as holding pens and chutes are required for the loading and unloading of animals for transport.
Economics
Calves undergo shrink during the processing and transporting, due to the stress they experience. Shrink causes the animal to weigh less when being sold, causing the cow/calf producer to make less profit on the animal. As this weight can quickly be recovered, shrink can be beneficial to the feedlot as they did not have to pay as much for the calf. Reducing stress during this stage can reduce shrink.
Regulations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA): The federal requirements for animal transport are covered in Part XII of the Health of Animal Regulations and are enforced by the CFIA. These requirements include assessing the animals prior to loading to ensure they are fit for transport (i.e. no signs of illness or poor health). Animals also must be transported by trained personnel using suitable transport vehicles that are designed and maintained for the animals being transported.
Updated regulations related to the length of transport are now being enforced following a 2-year education and transition period. The regulations now allow a maximum of 36 hours without feed, water, and rest, for weaned animals, compared to the previous maximum of 48 hours. For animals who have not been pre-weaned or whose health is compromised, the new maximum is 12 hours on a truck without food, water, and rest, compared to the previous 18 hours. A rest period of eight hours is required after the maximum time for all animal groups.
Environment
The weather during travel affects the condition of animals. Weather that is too cold can cause cold stress, which is amplified by the wind chill experienced during transport. Alternatively, weather that is too hot can cause heat stress. Thermal stress, either hot or cold, can cause weight loss, dehydration, exhaustion, and in extreme cases, even death.
Adjustments to transport schedules, such as the time of day, can help reduce these factors. For example, in hot weather, travelling during cooler conditions at night may be recommended.
Culture
Live auctions are part of a traditional ranching history. In addition to facilitating sales, they are a social event that many producers enjoy attending.
Technology
Online auctions and direct sales help move the legwork of traditional auctions into a virtual setting, reducing animal stress and commingling in the process.
Processes
Low-stress animal handling techniques for trailer loading and unloading, transportation rest stops, and trailer loading zone considerations are some of the processes used during weaning, sales and transport. Transport considerations and processes can be viewed on this page.
