The transport of young dairy calves to veal units or fattening farms is a significant welfare challenge, particularly when journeys are long and calves are very young.
The welfare of young dairy calves during transport is compromised by their physiological vulnerability at this early life stage. Calves younger than two weeks have incompletely developed immune systems, limited thermoregulation, and higher susceptibility to dehydration and stress. The transport environment — novel smells, sounds, movement, and separation from familiar environments — creates significant stress on top of these physiological vulnerabilities. The UK ban on long-distance live export of young calves was a meaningful welfare improvement, but domestic transport of young calves continues with varying standards. The welfare case for setting minimum transport ages, maximum journey times, and mandatory water access for calves during transport is supported by strong evidence.