Tips to Transport Livestock Safely
Did you know that stress during transport can negatively impact the health and quality of livestock?
Ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for your animals is crucial. While experienced livestock transporters possess specialised equipment and years of handling expertise, it is possible to transport livestock yourself if you carefully plan and follow proper procedures.
This guide will outline the essential steps to ensure a safe and stress-free journey for your livestock, along with some key considerations for deciding whether to DIY or seek professional help.
So are you ready to know how to make livestock transport safe?
Tips to Make Livestock Transport Safe
Don’t Try to Load them Forcefully:
One of the biggest mistakes that people make in livestock transportation is, when livestock resist getting inside the container, they forcefully load them.
This is not right, as livestock can have bruises, their entire journey would be in shock, which can adversely affect their health.
Set up a Ramp:
To make the loading process hassle-free, set up a ramp that’s at least 12 inches long and 3.5 inches off the ground. The ramp should have a slope of 20 degrees—enough to help the animals get in and out of the trailer.
Also, remember that the slop of the ram should not be slippery, as animals can slip during the process.
There should be no Distractions Around:
Animals get distracted by the loud noises soon, and sometimes you see them getting agitated. So whenever transporting livestock, make sure you are doing this in a peaceful place.
Also, remember to surround the area with solid sides to keep the herd’s movement under control.
Choose a Good Trailer:
To ensure the safe transport of livestock, never make sacrifices. Opt for a high-quality livestock trailer, as it will house your animals for the duration of the voyage. Choose one that restricts superfluous motion, such as the Arrow 8500 squeeze chute, which is equipped with an anti-backing mechanism to prevent cows from striking and injuring handlers.
Additionally, remember to protect ventilation.
Follow Guidelines Provided by the Authority:
Always research and adhere to all local and national regulations regarding animal transport. These guidelines cover aspects like vehicle specifications, ventilation requirements, and animal welfare during transport. Following these guidelines ensures the safety and well-being of your animals.
We hope you follow these tips and prioritise the comfort and well-being of your animals. This way, you can transform livestock transport from a stressful experience to a safe and efficient journey. Remember, a calm and comfortable trip benefits not only the animals' health but also the quality of their arrival at their destination.
Now that you are aware of the steps you need to take to make a safe journey, there might be many who feel they cannot take on this responsibility or should leave the task to experts. Well, let’s clear up these clouds of doubt.
DIY Livestock Transport or Professional Assistance?
The DIY Route:
Confidence and Experience: Do you have experience handling livestock and feel comfortable manoeuvring them into the trailer? Are you familiar with loading techniques and animal behaviour during transport? If yes, you are good to proceed.
Equipment and Resources: Do you own a suitable trailer that meets regulations and provides adequate space and comfort for your animals? Do you have access to proper loading ramps, padding materials, and other necessary equipment? If not, make sure first you are equipped with the resources.
Distance and Complexity: Is it a short, familiar journey or a long-distance haul with unfamiliar roads or rest stops? Are there any special needs for your animals that require additional expertise?
Calling in the Experts:
Large or Anxious Animals: Dealing with large or anxious animals requires professional carriers who possess the expertise and tools to handle them safely and effectively.
Long or Complex Journeys: Relying on a professional's expertise and experience helps assure a smooth and compliant journey for long-distance hauls or travel requiring special permits or rest-stop procedures.
Peace of Mind: Sometimes, the peace of mind knowing your animals are in the hands of experienced professionals is priceless. This allows you to focus on your destination rather than potential hiccups during the journey.
Summary:
Don’t just take your livestock as a business; consider them like an extended family and give them the love and care they deserve. Above, we tried to assist you with one of the crucial tasks that, if you follow perfectly, will help make your animals feel safe.
If you found the information informative but feel like you cannot complete this task alone, contact our experts at Earle’s Transport; they will assist you not just with animal transport but hay delivery also.