Running a farm isn’t easy. Especially when we combine you handling the livestock right from the point of sales. Didn’t understand? Here we are focusing on looking after your fleet of animals that reside on your farm and gain the required income.
When we talk about cattle, it is your responsibility to take care of them right where you purchase them. So, transportation becomes necessary. And, we don’t need to remind you about the dangers that cattle are exposed to when it’s being transported.
So, let’s take a look at all the key things to remember when transporting cattle and calves.
Key things to remember transporting cattle and calves
Let’s get straight to the point.
- The transport vehicle should be dedicated to transporting in the cattle. It has to be compatible with the desired number of livestock you want to carry.
- It would help if you had appropriate livestock insurance in Australia to cover for any damage on the way. It not only covers financial loss on the transporter but also on the farm.
- The distance from pickup to drop off must be smooth enough to avoid any injury to the cattle. Also, make sure that it is the shortest.
- Padding at the sides of the transporter should be done to minimize bruising. For example, cover the projections and sharp surfaces that animals can bruise on. Also, consider other surfaces that the animals might be exposed to.
- Separate different types of cattle from each other. Here are a few examples of animals that should not be transported in one truck.
- Females who are in advanced stages of pregnancy
- Cattle that are significantly different in sizes.
- Adult bulls with any other type.
- Young calves with any other type.
- Dehorned or polled cattle.
- The most preferred method to transport cattle is a truck. Also, the front of the truck should be bulky enough to protect the cattle from the wind. The group can be exposed to wind due to the area that they have.
- The calves should not be transported through rough surfaces as they are delicate. Make sure they travel the shortest distance.
- The cattle should be loaded in such a number that they can lie down if they want. Also, stop every 3 hours to ensure that they are fine the way they are being transported.
- After every 6 hours, feed all the cattle. They cannot stay hungry for longer than that.
- Do not use any unconventional method of transport cattle.
- Never restrict airflow, in any case, no matter what transport facility you choose.
- If you want to transport a more significant number of livestock, choose a bigger truck. Do not stuff in more than the capacity of the vehicle. As mentioned above, they should have the space to lie down.
- Tie the legs of the cattle to restrain them from running here and there in the vehicle itself.
There’s always a backup with livestock insurance in Australia if you want to cover for financial losses in transit. It’s better to take all the necessary steps, along with buying the appropriate insurance.
