New resource to support livestock transport

Animal welfare has been part of the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program since October 2017 – reflecting growing customer demand for evidence that livestock are cared for humanely and ethically.

The Australian red meat industry is committed to ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare practices are maintained throughout the supply chain, including making sure livestock are appropriately prepared for transport.

A new resource for producers

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) recently launched a new Transport Hub (the Hub) to help producers navigate the rules, roles and responsibilities for livestock transport anywhere in Australia.

The Hub has been developed in consultation with the red meat supply chain and includes best practice industry guidance for the preparation of cattle, sheep and goats for road transport, together with information about the relevant standards and guidelines, rules and regulations.

There is also a focus on ensuring producers understand how to present animals that are fit to load for their intended journey and this article from the Hub explains why the 48 hours prior to loading is critical for the successful transport of livestock by road.

Tips for being well prepared to transport your livestock

1. Prepare the yards. Well maintained and easy to access yards reduce the risk of stress and injury to producers, transporters and livestock.
2. Prepare the livestock. Make sure livestock are fit to load in advance and that you’re not running them straight in from the paddock onto the truck.
3. Plan the journey. Communicate clearly with your transporter about the details – including the pickup location, times, livestock class, weights and numbers.

Ensuring livestock are fit to load

Under Section 7 of the LPA program, LPA accredited producers need to ensure their livestock are well prepared for transportation and fit to load.

The transporter must ensure that the loading of animals into stock crates adheres to appropriate penning density recommendations to minimise welfare risks.

Loading densities are determined according to body weight but should also consider the species and class, wool or hair length, weather conditions, expected transport time, size and body condition, horn status and design and capacity of the pen/crate.

Learn more by reading this guide to ensure your livestock are fit to load.
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