Livestock Transport Temperature Management

Temperature regulation during livestock transport is a critical welfare issue, with heat and cold stress causing significant welfare compromise and mortality.

Key Facts

EU regulations specify maximum temperature limits for livestock transport of 35 degrees Celsius
Livestock die during transport from heat stress when temperature and humidity combine dangerously
Broiler chickens are particularly vulnerable to heat death during warm weather transport
Cold stress affects lambs, calves and other young animals during winter transport
Transport vehicle design including ventilation is critical for temperature management
Loading density affects temperature within transport vehicles during hot conditions

Welfare Considerations

Temperature management during transport represents a welfare risk that increases with climate change. Heat stress events that were previously rare are becoming more common as average temperatures rise and extreme heat events increase in frequency. Welfare-focused transport management uses weather forecasting to avoid transport during heat stress conditions, ensures vehicles have adequate ventilation, loads at appropriate density for conditions, and provides water access. Mortality during transport is the most visible welfare failure but non-lethal heat or cold stress affecting millions of animals during routine transport represents a much larger aggregate welfare impact.

What You Can Do

Advocate for welfare regulations that restrict livestock transport during extreme weather
Support vehicle inspection programmes that verify ventilation and temperature management
Choose products from farms and processors with verified transport welfare standards
Engage with transport operators about heat and cold stress monitoring during transit