Long-distance livestock transport causes significant welfare stress for cattle, with evidence supporting shorter journey times and improved vehicle standards to reduce suffering.
Cattle transport causes welfare compromise through multiple concurrent stressors - motion sickness, noise, vibration, temperature extremes, social disruption from mixing, and the inability to rest or behave normally during confinement. Long-distance live exports extending to 24-48 hours or more cause cumulative fatigue, dehydration, and stress that exceed what can be adequately managed with rest stops. Heat stress during summer transport is particularly dangerous for large-bodied cattle whose thermoregulatory capacity is limited. The welfare case for shorter journey times and improved vehicle standards is supported by clear evidence from cortisol, behavior, and mortality data. Replacing long-distance live animal transport with carcass or chilled meat trade where possible eliminates transport welfare costs while maintaining economic value.