Benchmarking study of industry practices during commercial long haul transport of cattle in Alberta, Canada1

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to document current commercial practices during long haul transport (≥400 km) of cattle in Alberta through surveys delivered to truck drivers (6,152 journeys that transported 290,362 animals). The live beef export industry to the United States (89% of all journeys) had a large influence on long haul transport. This was particularly true for fat cattle going to slaughter (82%) and backgrounded feeders going to feed yards (15%). Most drivers had either limited (31% with < 2 yr) or extensive (35% > 10 yr) experience hauling cattle. The type of tractors and trailers used most frequently were those with more number of axles (quad-axle trailers pulled with push tractors) because they can accommodate extra weight. Mean (± SD) distance travelled was 1,081 ± 343 km (maximum of 2,560 km) whereas time animals spent on truck averaged 15.9 ± 6.3 h with a maximum of 45 h. However, only 5% of all journeys were greater than 30 h. The most frequent cause of delay was at the Canada-United States border crossing due to paperwork and veterinary inspections. Border delays occurred on 77% of all journeys which had a mean of 1.3 ± 1.9 h and up to 15-h long. Driver rest stops and waiting to unload cattle at destination were the second most frequent and longest cause of delay. Ambient temperature across all journeys ranged from -42 to 45°C with a mean value of 18 ± 11.8°C while temperature variation within a journey was from 0 to 46°C with mean value of 15 ± 6.6°C. The proportion of dead, non-ambulatory, and lame cattle for all journeys was 0.011, 0.022, and 0.011%, respectively. The cattle transport industry showed compliance with federal regulations and to a lesser extent with recommendations. Findings showed extreme values and very large variability in transport conditions however further research is needed to assess their impact on animal welfare outcomes. Delays within the journey as a result of border crossing, weather conditions, time on truck, shrink and space allowance may play an important role in improving cattle welfare during long haul transport.

Recovery of absorptive function of the reticulo-rumen and total tract barrier function in beef cattle after short-term feed restriction1

“…The severity of feed restriction is dependent on the duration of the insult and the extent to which feed is limited. Although, during transportation beef and dairy cattle experience complete feed deprivation, this exposure is generally short in duration (<16 h; González et al, 2012). In contrast, there are many examples in commercial production settings where cattle experience short-term periods (up to 1 wk) with limited access to feed or where cattle voluntarily reduce feed intake (denoted as FR).…”

Feed restriction reduces short-chain fatty acid absorption across the reticulorumen of beef cattle independent of diet1

“…In conventional beef and dairy production systems, severe short-term FR can occur following weaning (Gibb et al, 2000), during transportation (González et al, 2012), on arrival at a feedlot (Hutcheson and Cole, 1986), when experiencing heat stress (Wheelock et al, 2010), and when metabolic (Hansen et al, 2003) and digestive disorders (Brown et al, 2000) occur. Furthermore, many of these stressors occur in combination (e.g., heat stress and transportation or weaning and transportation) thereby exacerbating the severity of the FR event (Grant and Albright, 1995).…”

Causes and Contributing Factors to “Dark Cutting” Meat: Current Trends and Future Directions: A Review

“…Conditions during transport that are conducive to increased DC will include any situation that prevents the animal from eating and requires the animal to use its muscles to maintain balance. Not removing feed or water from cattle prior to transport to an abattoir is now recommended in Canada to ensure good carcass quality, as ruminants may be shipped for slaughter for up to 48 h without having to be fed or watered (González and others ); therefore, cattle should be fed and watered within the 5 h preceding transport if the regulations of the country allow this. Under Australian conditions, all sheep must be given access to water as soon as they are unloaded.…”