Farmed Animals

Livestock Transport Dehydration Risk

Dehydration is a significant welfare risk during livestock transport, particularly over long distances and in warm weather.

Key Facts

Cattle and pigs can lose 5-7% body weight during transport due to water loss
EU regulations require water access every 24 hours for cattle on long journeys
Heat stress significantly increases dehydration risk during summer transport
Dehydrated animals are more susceptible to injury, disease and transit mortality

Welfare Considerations

Transport dehydration causes suffering proportional to its severity — animals experience thirst, distress, weakened condition and increased vulnerability to stress-induced illness. Heat exacerbates these effects dramatically. Reducing journey times, providing water access and avoiding transport in extreme heat are the most effective interventions.

What You Can Do

Support regulations limiting livestock transport journey times
Advocate for mandatory water access during all transport
Encourage local slaughter to reduce transport distances
Choose meat from farms using short-journey transport where possible