Transport is one of the most welfare-challenging events in cattle's lives, with duration, density, and handling quality all affecting welfare outcomes.
Transport causes fear, physical exhaustion, dehydration, and injury in cattle. Longer journeys, mixing of unfamiliar animals, and inadequate handling all amplify these welfare costs. Reducing journey times, improving vehicle design, and training handlers in low-stress techniques are the primary welfare interventions for transport. Ending live export in favour of carcass trade is the highest-impact policy change.