An Informative Guide to Livestock Transportation
Did you know there are around three times more farm animals than humans on earth at any given time? It’s no secret that people rely heavily on livestock on a daily basis, and transporting these animals plays a vital role.
But what should you know about livestock transportation? Moving animals from point A to point B can be a complicated process, and you’ll want to be sure you’re following the correct procedures. By the end of this guide, you’ll know about the most critical factors to consider when transporting livestock.
Read on to find out more.
Check Livestock Health Prior to Transportation
The first step is to check the health of your livestock before transportation. This is because some animals may not be fit for travel. For example, livestock could have injuries that require a veterinarian’s attention or be unable to walk.
If any of your livestock are injured or ill, their conditions could deteriorate during the journey. Therefore, you may have to make the decision to keep those animals in their current location until they recover. You can then safely move them to their new area.
Should you have any doubt as to the health status of your livestock, it’s important to ask a qualified veterinarian for a professional opinion.
Size of the Livestock Transport Vehicle
Your transport vehicle should be large enough for your livestock to travel in comfort. There also needs to be adequate space to allow you to inspect your animals when they are in the vehicle. This means you have to consider the shape and layout of the transport trailer.
Make sure you separate large and small animals to reduce the risk of injury being caused to weaker livestock. You may also want to keep more aggressive animals away from others.
Condition of the Livestock Transport Vehicle
One of the most vital transportation tips is to make sure that your vehicle is in excellent condition. If not, it could break down on your journey, potentially leaving you and your livestock stranded. This could cause your animals distress and they could even come to harm if they are stuck in your trailer for too long.
Take the time to check that your vehicle’s tires are roadworthy and that the exterior walls are well-maintained. You should also inspect the interior of your livestock trailer. If you notice there are any sharp edges, it’s necessary to remove them before they can hurt an animal.
It’s also vital to check that the fittings are secure and will not come loose during the journey. In addition, if partitions or barriers are showing signs of excessive wear and tear, you can replace them at this point.
To ensure your livestock vehicle is of suitable quality, it’s crucial to buy it from a reputable company. That’s why many people choose to purchase their livestock trailers from the experts at Pro-line Trailers.
Livestock Comfort
You want the best for your livestock, and you can make sure they are comfortable during their journey. For example, having anti-slip mats is critical. This type of flooring can help livestock grip the floor and stop them from slipping.
Adding bedding can give your animals somewhere soft to sleep, and you can provide food and water. Having soft pads on barriers can also offer additional comfort to your livestock.
You should also ensure there is plenty of ventilation. This can allow your animals to breathe fresh air and stay cool during transportation.
Livestock Transportation Journey Time
When considering how to transport livestock, it’s imperative to minimize the journey time. Before setting off, plan your route and ensure it is suitable for your vehicle. This could include checking the roads are wide enough, and that there are no low bridges.
It may also be helpful to look for locations where you could stop during the journey. This can make it easier to check on your livestock at regular intervals.
By monitoring the condition of your livestock, you can take immediate action should any animals show signs of ill health. This is critical even during short trips.
Weather Conditions
The weather conditions could also have an effect on your livestock transportation plans. For example, if it is going to be extremely hot, this could cause your animals undue stress when they are in your trailer. Or, if there are likely to be strong winds, you might not want to risk driving your vehicle until the weather is calmer.
This can be particularly significant during long-distance transport when the weather could vary considerably between locations. By keeping a close eye on the weather reports, you can decide when it is safe to transport your livestock.
Required Livestock Transportation Documents
If you don’t have the required documentation when transporting livestock, you could be delayed or not be able to complete your journey. Check which documents are needed in every area where you will be traveling. By preparing in advance, you can enjoy a smooth and straightforward journey.
Take Care When Transporting Livestock
It’s important to take every precaution during livestock transportation. Always ensure livestock are fit for travel, and check that your vehicle is in a suitable condition. It’s also vital to make your livestock comfortable, and to keep your journey time as short as possible.
This can help you keep your livestock safe from harm during transportation.
If you’ve found this livestock transportation post helpful, check out more of our excellent blog articles.
