Transport is one of the most stressful experiences for sheep, involving social disruption, novel environments, and physical challenges. Understanding and mitigating transport stress is a key welfare priority.
Sheep transport welfare is influenced by journey duration, stocking density, vehicle design, mixing of groups, driver skill, and weather conditions. Welfare deteriorates significantly on journeys exceeding eight hours, and long-distance live export can involve journeys of many days under poor conditions. Reducing journey times, improving vehicle standards, and replacing live export with carcass trade would substantially improve welfare outcomes.