Cull cows - dairy cows at the end of their productive life - are among the most welfare-vulnerable animals during transport, requiring specific consideration.
Cull cow transport is one of the highest welfare-risk moments in the dairy industry. Many cull cows are chronically compromised before transport, and the additional stresses of loading, travel, and lairage cause acute deterioration. On-farm slaughter for severely compromised cows is a welfare imperative that removes the transport welfare cost entirely.