Transport is one of the highest welfare risk events for cattle, with loading, journey conditions, and unloading all posing significant risks of injury, stress, and suffering.
Cattle transport welfare spans the entire process from pre-journey management through loading, journey conditions, and unloading. Pre-journey feed and water management, vehicle design, journey duration, and handling at both ends all affect outcomes. The most welfare-protective intervention is reducing transport distance through slaughtering animals closer to their farm of origin. Where transport is necessary, low-stress handling methods including Bud boxes and curved races, adequate space allowances, appropriate rest periods, and prohibition of electrical prodding significantly reduce welfare harm.