Transport duration is one of the most significant welfare variables for livestock. Limiting journey times and ensuring rest, water, and feed during extended transport reduce preventable suffering.
Transport duration welfare reflects the cumulative physiological and behavioral stress of confinement, social disruption, thirst, and hunger during livestock journeys. Shorter journeys, appropriate rest stops with feed and water for longer ones, and fitness-for-transport assessment at loading all reduce welfare costs. Replacing long-distance live transport with chilled carcass trade eliminates transport welfare costs entirely for slaughter animals.