EFSA assesses welfare risks to animals during transport

The thorough review of the most recent scientific literature from 2004 to date indicates the following for the main farm species:

Cattle
Recent studies indicate that treating cattle in a humane way before transportation reduces the stress during transport. Studies also confirm that heat stress can present a major threat to cattle welfare, which can be prevented by providing ventilation systems in vessels when animals are transported by sea. Scientific evidence show that if adult cattle are transported on journeys longer than 29 hours, fatigue and aggressiveness increase. Reviewed studies show that cattle should be offered water during rest periods during journeys of 8 to 29 hours. Experts say that more research is required to investigate the length of resting periods during the transport of cattle.

Poultry
Various studies indicate an ideal upper limit of 24-25°C, and a lower limit of 5°C for the temperature in containers used for transporting chickens raised for meat production (broilers). Scientific evidence indicates that the introduction of temperature limits in the transport of newly hatched chickens could have beneficial effects on the welfare of the birds. Experts encourage further research on ventilation. For journeys longer than four hours scientific studies show that vehicles equipped with mechanical ventilation can maintain satisfactory temperature levels, which ought to be monitored and recorded.

Pigs
New research confirms that pigs have difficulties in adapting to stressful situations. When grouped for transport, pigs kept in stable groups and without the presence of unfamiliar animals, have a reduced level of stress. Recent scientific studies indicate a higher risk of mortality when pigs are fed before transport, and highlight the need for water to be always available at the farm, and assembly points. Moreover, experts suggest carrying out research on how pigs respond to stress linked to fatigue, heat and cold.

Sheep
Since there is insufficient scientific evidence to determine maximum journey times for sheep, more emphasis should be given to the quality of the journey experienced by the animal. To reduce the risk of injury, aspects such as acceleration, braking, stopping, and uneven road surfaces should be monitored, in particular during long journeys.

Goats
Scientific papers suggest that stress is minimised when goats are kept in stable groups, particularly during loading and unloading. Furthermore, repeated regrouping could lead to an increased level of aggression, as could the introduction of new animals, which should be monitored closely. Horned and hornless goats should be kept separate during transport to avoid injuries.

Horses
The reviewed scientific literature demonstrates that because of their different levels of aggression, horses should always be transported in individual stalls or pens, with the exception of foals which should be travelling with their mothers. Partitions have proven to be necessary not only to avoid overheating but also because horses find it relatively difficult to maintain their position during sudden vehicle movements. Experts recommend further scientific research on partition design for their transport.

Rabbits
Numerous scientific studies indicate that stress linked to temperature during transport can be detrimental to rabbits’ welfare, and adequate ventilation during transport has to be ensured to maintain the inside temperature within a range of 5-20 °C. Experts also highlight the need for further research on the effects of temperature on rabbits during transport.