Successful Transportation of Cattle is a Partnership

By Arden Wohlers DVM
Extension Veterinarian
University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Education Center

As autumn approaches it is time to move cattle from the grass they have been on this summer to the areas of winter feed. The first stop may be an auction market, a feedlot, fields with crop residues, or pasture that has been saved for winter grazing. Wherever the animal’s next home there is usually a truck ride involved. This change of environment and the truck ride will be the most stressful event that a young calf has experienced in his life. There are ways to train the calf so he will have an easier time of adjusting to the new life, but it may take training of the livestock producer and the trucker first. The training must involve the calf, the trucker, and all livestock handlers encountered along the way. Successful hauling of cattle requires a working partnership between the producer and the trucker. Each has responsibilities that make it easier for the other to do a good job. Transporting cattle means dealing with live and perishable goods

The first steps that the producer needs to plan for are the health of the cattle and to be certain that his facilities are in order. The cattle should have been vaccinated for the known diseases that they are apt to encounter at their new home. The calves should have had opportunity to eat a light ration and have access to clean water prior to the arrival of the truck. The animals should have experienced humans on foot as well as on horse back and 4-wheelers if that is what will be in their new environment. The sorting pens and load out facility should be clean without visual distractions. The loading area should be well lit and have solid footing in the pens and ramps. All gates should be in working order and the pens adequate to restrain the type of livestock that are going to be moved that day. Health certificates and brand inspections must be arranged for in advance. Most importantly the day should be structured so the cattle are ready to load when the trucks arrive. This may be contingent on selecting reliable haulers.

It is the trucker’s responsibility to be scheduled so he can be on time and not cause undo delays in loading. Handing off the care of your cattle to a hauler that is experienced and has a reliable safety record is an important step in maintaining a quality animal. Experienced truck operators know the importance of starting smoothly, taking bumps easy and slowly maneuvering curves to avoid bruising the cattle. They know that keeping the truck moving prevents the buildup of toxic fumes from gases from waste and reduces transit time. Every 4 to 5 hours the truck should be stopped and the load checked for down or injured animals. Adjustments in the transportation schedule may need to be made at times of extreme hot or extreme cold weather. Ventilation changes in the trailer may be made to compensate for temperature extremes. If the trip will take more than 24 hours arrangements should be made for a 12 hour rest stop to allow the cattle to eat and drink. The trucker’s final duty is to see that a responsible handler receives the cattle and is ready to take care of them at the end of the trip. After each consignment the trailer should be cleaned, disinfected and fresh bedding supplied.

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