Sheep transport for breeding, finishing, and slaughter involves significant welfare risks. Managing journey duration, loading density, feed and water access, and stockperson competence reduces these risks substantially.
Sheep transport welfare is a continuum from short domestic journeys to the extreme welfare compromise of live export voyages lasting weeks. Domestic transport, when well managed with appropriate stocking density, trained stockpeople, and journey time limits, achieves acceptable welfare outcomes. Long-distance live export by sea combines the stressors of loading, confinement, crowding, unfamiliar conditions, seasickness, and heat stress into an extended welfare ordeal. The welfare case for replacing live export with chilled or frozen carcass trade is strong: animals are slaughtered humanely in the country of origin rather than experiencing prolonged transport suffering. Consumer and regulatory pressure has driven live export bans in several countries.