Long-distance cattle transport causes significant stress and injury, but technological and regulatory advances are improving outcomes for transported animals.
Long-distance cattle transport is one of the highest welfare-risk phases of the beef and dairy supply chain. The combination of novel environments, social disruption, feed and water restriction, temperature extremes, and rough vehicle motion creates substantial stress. While improvements in vehicle design, driver training, and journey management have reduced the worst outcomes, the fundamental welfare compromise of long-distance transport remains. Localizing slaughter and processing infrastructure would provide the greatest welfare improvement by reducing journey lengths.