Newborn dairy calves transported for sale or rearing face serious welfare risks. Evidence-based protocols for transport timing, preparation, and duration significantly reduce suffering.
The trade in dairy bull calves — separated from their mothers within days of birth and transported long distances to veal or beef units — represents one of the more tractable welfare harms in the dairy supply chain. Young calves transported before they have adequate colostrum-based immunity and thermal regulation are at high risk of illness and death. Simple interventions — ensuring adequate colostrum intake, meeting minimum age requirements, providing electrolytes before transport, and maintaining thermal comfort during transit — substantially reduce mortality and suffering.