Transporting cattle is a high-welfare-risk activity causing stress, injury and mortality that can be significantly reduced through better infrastructure, training and regulation.
Cattle transport represents a concentrated period of welfare compromise even when performed well. Loading, the journey itself and unloading each carry significant risks of injury, respiratory disease and severe stress. Regulatory limits on journey duration and requirements for rest, food and water reduce but do not eliminate welfare harms. The gold standard of slaughter close to the farm of origin, when achievable, delivers the greatest welfare benefit.