Farmed Animals

Recovery Periods After Livestock Transport

Animals need adequate recovery time after transport before being subjected to further handling or slaughter.

Key Facts

Transport causes physiological stress responses that persist for 12-48 hours after arrival
Slaughtering animals immediately on arrival after long journeys increases suffering and reduces welfare
EU regulations require rest periods after transport but these are often inadequate
Recovery includes restoration of body temperature, rehydration, and cortisol normalisation
Animal welfare at slaughter is significantly better when animals arrive rested and unstressed

Welfare Considerations

Adequate rest after transport is a critical welfare requirement that is often compromised for commercial efficiency. Stressed animals at slaughter experience more fear and distress. Requiring proper lairage and recovery periods is both a welfare priority and improves the quality of outcomes.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards that require adequate recovery periods before slaughter
Choose meat from local farms with short transport distances
Advocate for stricter enforcement of transport and lairage welfare requirements
Support the shift from live export to carcase trade as the most welfare-positive change