Livestock transport is a major source of welfare risk for farm animals. Regulatory improvements and technological innovations are reducing harm during transport.
Livestock transport causes fear from unfamiliar environments, motion, noise, and social mixing, alongside physical risks of injuries, heat stress, and dehydration. Research shows that temperature management and stocking density are the most critical welfare factors in transport. Live exports for slaughter represent the highest welfare risk transports due to journey length and variable welfare standards at destination. The most welfare-positive approach is slaughter close to point of production with chilled carcass transport replacing live animal transport wherever possible.