Livestock transport is one of the most significant welfare challenges in animal agriculture, with journey duration, vehicle design, and handling competence all affecting outcomes.
Livestock transport welfare harms accumulate over journey duration: mixing of unfamiliar animals causes immediate aggression, restriction of movement prevents normal behavioral regulation, feed and water withdrawal causes physiological stress, and temperature extremes challenge thermoregulation. Short journeys with minimal stops, well-ventilated vehicles, familiar group composition, and competent handling reduce these harms. Live export over long sea distances represents the most extreme transport welfare challenge, with some journeys lasting weeks.