Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Cull Cow Transport and Welfare

Cull cows - dairy or beef cows removed from the herd at the end of their productive life - are among the most vulnerable cattle at transport, yet transport welfare standards for this group are often inadequate.

Key Facts

Cull cows are often thin, lame or recently recovered from illness
Current fitness-to-transport assessments may be inadequately implemented
Journey times for cull cows are often longer than for younger cattle
On-farm slaughter is available as a welfare-positive alternative for unfit cows
Higher prices for cull cow meat create incentives to transport animals that should be euthanised on-farm

Welfare Considerations

Cull cows represent the most welfare-vulnerable cattle in the transport system. Animals that are lame, thin or recently ill should not be transported, but economic pressures to recover residual value create incentives that compromise welfare. On-farm slaughter, casualty slaughter facilities and stronger fitness-to-transport enforcement protect these animals from one of the most serious welfare failures in cattle production.

What You Can Do

Support on-farm slaughter schemes for unfit cull cows
Advocate for stronger fitness-to-transport enforcement for cull cattle
Choose beef and dairy from supply chains with documented cull cow welfare policies