Greg Henderson writes about transporting cattle, but this content is applicable to pigs and horses, as well. Transportation stress remains a primary determinant of how much work awaits feedyard employees. “Cattle that are hauled long distances go through many types of stress which could include maternal separation (weaning), transportation, water and feed deprivation and more,” says Dan Thompson, DVM.
Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, July 7, 2017.
Cattle that just walked off the truck after a long ride need time to rest and recover. “Our recommendation is that cattle are allowed to rest about one hour for every hour they were on the truck. Therefore, cattle hauled 20 hours need to have a day’s rest before they are processed,” Dr. Thompson says. “Conversely, local cattle can be processed directly off the truck. Delaying processing more than a day after arrival is not recommended.”
INSIGHTS: Veterinary teams and sales reps for any food-producing livestock operation can use this information to discuss health issues and stressed animal management.