Long-distance transport is among the most welfare-compromising events in a cattle's life — journey times, loading density, thermal conditions, and water access determine suffering during transit.
Transport welfare for cattle involves multiple stressors acting simultaneously. Loading causes fear, slipping, and sometimes injury. Journey vibration, noise, and climate extremes accumulate over time. Deprivation of feed and water over long periods causes hunger and thirst stress. Mixing unfamiliar animals during transport causes aggression. The UK's post-Brexit ban on long-distance live export for slaughter is a direct welfare improvement, though trade in breeding stock continues.