The transport of young calves, particularly those exported from the dairy industry, raises serious welfare concerns due to their vulnerability and the stresses of long journeys.
Young calves are physiologically and behaviourally immature, making transport especially stressful. Separation from the cow causes acute distress for both animals. During transport, calves may face hunger, thirst, cold, crowding, and unfamiliar environments. The combination of maternal separation and long journeys compounds suffering. Shorter journey times, better facilities, and higher minimum age thresholds all reduce suffering significantly.