Loading and transport are among the most stressful events in a farm animal's life — fear, physical injury, and physiological stress during these events cause significant welfare harm that is largely preventable.
The welfare harm of loading and transport is one of the most preventable in animal agriculture. Stress during loading stems primarily from fear — of ramps, of strangers (both human and animal), of unfamiliar environments. Low-stress handling techniques that work with rather than against animal flight zones, combined with well-designed facilities, can dramatically reduce this fear response. The economic argument is compelling: stressed animals are injured more, lose more weight, and produce lower-quality meat. Yet many facilities prioritise throughput over welfare, using electric prods, noise, and force rather than skilled stockmanship. Reducing journey times, improving vehicle conditions, and investing in stockperson training are all tractable, high-impact interventions.