The principle method of transporting livestock in North America is by truck. Worldwide, animals are transported regularly in a wide variety of vehicles, which can also include trains, ships and aircraft. Each of these methods presents its own problems and advantages. However, truck transportation is a good barometer to indicate some of the challenges the industry faces.
Animals are primarily transported to a farm, to a slaughterhouse or to auction. They can be moved in trucks of all sizes from a pickup, to a mid- sized or large multi-level transport truck. Their trips can be a short jaunt from one barn to the next, or necessitate living in a truck for days while being moved from one side of the country to the other.
Transporting livestock will put extra demands not only on them, but also on the equipment and operator of the vehicle. The transporting of goods by trucks usually involves stationary items, which can be stacked or palletized for transport. Livestock are able to move around and present some problems particularly with large breeds. The shifting weight of a large cow(s) can make driving difficult in some situations. Animals require plenty of fresh air and adequate bedding to remain warm. The heat of summer can quickly cause overheating if a truck becomes stopped for too long. Think how you would feel if stuck on a bus during rush hour traffic and without any A/C. The cold of winter causes the opposite problem, as most trucks are not heated. Pigs particularly can be susceptible to cold if not transported quickly to another warm location.
It is for these reasons most governments have enacted strict regulations with regard to the health and welfare of animals. In Canada, it is the Health of Animals Act that oversees the animal transportation industry. They have thus; set some guidelines with regard to the length of trips allowed before offloading for food, water and rest.
The following are a few examples of what their regulations indicated at this time.
Species/Max Transport Time before unloading
Market Pig - 36 hours
Cattle - 48 hours
Lactating
Dairy Cows - 12 hours
Nursing/Pail
Fed Calves - 18 hours
Sheep - 48 hours
Horses - 24 hours
Poultry - 36 hours
It is the responsibility of all involved (farmer, driver, receiver etc) to ensure livestock are transported in a humane manner. All persons involved with handling or transporting livestock must be knowledgeable in animal behavior. They should have experience with the breeds they are transporting and recognize which animals (breed and size/maturity) can be transported safely in the same vehicle.
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