Trucking is hard on calves. David Renaud, DVM, says surprisingly little research has been conducted to evaluate the health implications of transport. He shares results from a research project completed in Canada that shows transportation for long distances and at less than one week of age are associated with poor health and growth outcomes in dairy calves.
It is beneficial if calves are retained on the source farm for as long as possible prior to transport and that they arrive at their destination quickly to alleviate transport-related stress.”
Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, March 27, 2023. Link. Renaud also suggests improving calf transportation successes will also help reduce antimicrobial use.