Risks of transporting cattle in late-stage pregnancy

Page last updated: Monday, 29 July 2019 - 10:34am

Please note: This content may be out of date and is currently under review.

At times of the year when many cattle are being transported long distances, it is important that females have their pregnancy status checked by a competent stock person or vet before being transported.

It’s not worth the risk of harming your cows and their unborn calves by transporting them in late pregnancy. Transporting cattle in the late stages of pregnancy where they are at risk of harm could also be an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

The Code of Practice for the transportation of cattle in Western Australia states that it is advisable not to transport cattle which are more than eight months pregnant. Heavily pregnant cattle are at higher risk of health and welfare problems during and after transportation. They are more susceptible to abortion or early delivery, heat stress, dehydration, injury and metabolic disease.

Where it is unavoidable and heavily pregnant cattle must be transported, veterinary advice should be sought to certify that they are fit for the journey. Transport should be kept to periods of eight hours or less and feed and water should be available upon arrival at the destination.

It is the responsibility of all parties in the supply chain, including producers, agents, transport drivers and buyers, to be aware of the risks and ensure there is no undue suffering by transporting heavily pregnant cattle.

Western Australia’s Animal Welfare Codes of Practice are available online. This information can help producers make informed decisions about transporting pregnant cattle.

It should be noted that if the person in charge of the stock prepares to transport, or transports, an animal that is unfit, that person may be liable to prosecution under state animal welfare legislation.

For more information regarding the selection of livestock to transport, please see the 2019 revised edition of Meat and Livestock Australia’s Is the animal fit to load? guide. The 2019 edition of the national guide includes new content to ensure best practice animal welfare when preparing, loading and delivering cattle, sheep and goats, including:

  • clear roles and responsibilities for consignors and transporters
  • clear checklists to assess whether an animal is fit to load
  • managing effluent
  • loading densities
  • requirements for transporting bobby calves
  • using firearms or captive bolt for euthanasia.

This booklet is a great resource, and it is recommended that all persons transporting livestock keep a copy handy in the cattle yards and/or truck.

For more information, please visit the animal welfare webpage.

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