Around this time of year, many people transport their animals, for example from the pasture to the barn.
In practice, this can sometimes lead to stressful situations for both humans as well as animals.
Loading livestock and other animals for transport is one of the most challenging and difficult tasks for many.
It requires good planning and suitable equipment to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The collection and loading facilities are often not designed for their purpose, which can lead to unsafe and welfare-unfriendly practices.
Based on my experience, some points to consider when loading and unloading livestock and other animals:
- Drivers must have the correct driver's license and be fully aware of the dangers associated with transporting livestock, both partial and full loads. This applies to driving with “live weight,” driving speed, and load size. The vehicle to be used must be in good technical condition and suitable for the livestock to be transported.
- Everyone involved in unloading must know which animals are going where before the tailgate is lowered.
- It is often easier to load/unload several small groups of animals than one large group. It is also quicker and less stressful.
- Keep people out of the walkways/aisles unless they are behind the animals.
- Avoid noise, rushing, and panic. Let the animals find their way at their own tempo.
- Use Low Stress Stockmanship and respect the natural behavior of animals.
- Focus on the higher-ranking animal and give it enough time to see where it needs to go. Once it is on the loading ramp, you can calmly let the other animals follow from behind by herding them forward.
- Respect the animal's 3 zones; do not get too close to animals walking towards the truck, as they will quickly turn (anti-clockwise). If they do, give them space and start again. Give them time to calm down before starting again.
- Make sure that the animals' legs or tails do not get caught when they walk up or when the vehicle doors/hatches are closed.
- Make sure that animals do not kick backwards when the doors are closed, as this is where most accidents happen!
- When unloading animals, try to keep the slope of the unloading ramp as small as possible (animals to be (un)loaded move better “uphill than downhill”), use a natural slope or, if possible, use an unloading platform.
- Animals may be nervous, tired, and/or unpredictable after transport, so let them leave the truck at their own (natural) pace.
Source text and photos: Ronald Rongen