Transport of Animals Intended for Breeding, Production and Slaughter

The transport of farm livestock was the subject of the seminar held from 7 - 8 July 1981 at the Commission of the European Communities (CECl, Directorate General for Agriculture, Brussels as part of the work of the Division Coordinating Agricultural Research. The aims of the seminar were to examine the knowledge available on how the physiology and behaviour of animals may change during transport; to consider the significance of these changes in relation to welfare and economics and to assess those actions which as experimental projects or observational studies might be proposed to fill the most important gaps in our knowledge of the welfare of farm animals during transport. A number of conclusions can be drawn from the proceedings: 1. Much knowledge is available from both scientific observations and practical experience which could be used to improve the transport of livestock. Methods of loading, the construction of vehicles, ships, crates and aircraft could benefit from the application of existing knowledge. It is less clear whether it is best to concentrate on disseminating existing knowledge by education and advice or to contemplate more regulations. 2. Losses by down-grading at slaughter can largely be attributed to the ways in which animals are transported and handled.