Analyze Diet
Animal : an international journal of animal bioscience2012; 5(3); 415-427; doi: 10.1017/S1751731110001989

Road transport of farm animals: effects of journey duration on animal welfare.

Abstract: Transport of farm animals gives rise to concern about their welfare. Specific attention has been given to the duration of animal transport, and maximum journey durations are used in legislation that seek to minimise any negative impact of transport on animal welfare. This paper reviews the relatively few scientific investigations into effects of transport duration on animal welfare in cattle, sheep, horses, pigs and poultry. From the available literature, we attempt to distinguish between aspects, which will impair welfare on journeys of any duration, such as those associated with loading, and those aspects that may be exacerbated by journey time. We identify four aspects of animal transport, which have increasing impact on welfare as transport duration increases. These relate to (i) the physiological and clinical state of the animal before transport; and - during transport - to (ii) feeding and watering; (iii) rest and (iv) thermal environment. It is thus not journey duration per se but these associated negative aspects that are the cause of compromised welfare. We suggest that with a few exceptions, transport of long duration is possible in terms of animal welfare provided that these four issues can be dealt with for the species and the age group of the animals that are transported.
Publication Date: 2012-03-27 PubMed ID: 22445408DOI: 10.1017/S1751731110001989Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article focuses on the implications of the duration of transportation on farm animal welfare. It emphasizes the need to address certain factors such as pre-transport health conditions, feeding and watering, rest, and thermal environment to ensure animal welfare, even during long-journey transport.

Examining Factors Affecting Farm Animal Transport

This research study investigated the welfare of farm animals during transportation, particularly focusing on the duration of the journey. The researchers conducted a review of various scientific studies that explore the effects of transport duration on the welfare of various farm animals such as cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, and poultry.

  • The study primarily aims to distinguish between factors that would harm the animals’ welfare on any journey, such as loading problems, and those issues that could worsen over time during the journey.

Four Key Aspects Identified

The research identified four critical aspects of animal transport that could have progressively adverse effects on animal welfare as the duration of the transport increases.

  • The physiological and clinical state of the animal before transport: A compromised health status can make an animal more susceptible to stress and illness during transportation.
  • Feeding and watering during transport: Extended transport times potentially increase the risk of dehydration and hunger, negatively impacting the animals’ welfare.
  • Rest during transport: Lack of adequate rest over long journeys can cause fatigue and widen any existing health issues.
  • Thermal environment during transport: Extended journeys can expose animals to uncomfortable or harmful temperatures, depending upon the prevailing climatic conditions of the journey.

Implications and Suggestions

The article emphasizes that it isn’t the journey duration alone that affects the welfare of the transported animals but these associated negative aspects. The researchers suggest that, barring a few exceptions, long-duration transport of farm animals isn’t necessarily harmful to their welfare, provided the four mentioned issues are properly managed according to the species and age group of the animals being transported. This concept proposes a more nuanced approach to formulating legislation and protocols for animal transport, prioritising animal welfare.

Cite This Article

APA
Nielsen BL, Dybkjær L, Herskin MS. (2012). Road transport of farm animals: effects of journey duration on animal welfare. Animal, 5(3), 415-427. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731110001989

Publication

ISSN: 1751-732X
NlmUniqueID: 101303270
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 5
Issue: 3
Pages: 415-427

Researcher Affiliations

Nielsen, B L
  • Department of Animal Health and Bioscience, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Aarhus University, PO Box 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark.
Dybkjær, L
    Herskin, M S

      Citations

      This article has been cited 49 times.
      1. Fu Q, Yang X, Zhou S, Yang Y, Zhang X, Han Q, Ji W, Liu H. Effects of short-distance transportation on physiological indexes, intestinal morphology, microbial community, and the transcriptome of the jejunum in weaned piglets. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1148941.
        doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1148941pubmed: 37124567google scholar: lookup
      2. Marti E, Nannoni E, Visentin G, Sardi L, Martelli G, Belperio S, Liuzzo G. Mortality during Transport of Pigs Subjected to Long Journeys: A Study in a Large European Abattoir. Vet Sci 2022 Oct 27;9(11).
        doi: 10.3390/vetsci9110590pubmed: 36356067google scholar: lookup
      3. Koutsoumanis K, Allende A, Álvarez-Ordóñez A, Bolton D, Bover-Cid S, Chemaly M, Davies R, De Cesare A, Herman L, Hilbert F, Lindqvist R, Nauta M, Ru G, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Suffredini E, Argüello-Rodríguez H, Dohmen W, Magistrali CF, Padalino B, Tenhagen BA, Threlfall J, García-Fierro R, Guerra B, Liébana E, Stella P, Peixe L. Transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during animal transport. EFSA J 2022 Oct;20(10):e07586.
        doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7586pubmed: 36304831google scholar: lookup
      4. Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Mitchell M, Vinco LJ, Voslarova E, Candiani D, Mosbach-Schulz O, Van der Stede Y, Velarde A. Welfare of domestic birds and rabbits transported in containers. EFSA J 2022 Sep;20(9):e07441.
        doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7441pubmed: 36092767google scholar: lookup
      5. Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Earley B, Edwards S, Faucitano L, Marti S, de La Lama GCM, Costa LN, Thomsen PT, Ashe S, Mur L, Van der Stede Y, Herskin M. Welfare of cattle during transport. EFSA J 2022 Sep;20(9):e07442.
        doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7442pubmed: 36092766google scholar: lookup
      6. Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Earley B, Edwards S, Faucitano L, Marti S, Miranda de La Lama GC, Nanni Costa L, Thomsen PT, Ashe S, Mur L, Van der Stede Y, Herskin M. Welfare of small ruminants during transport. EFSA J 2022 Sep;20(9):e07404.
        doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7404pubmed: 36092764google scholar: lookup
      7. Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt CG, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Earley B, Edwards S, Faucitano L, Marti S, de La Lama GCM, Costa LN, Thomsen PT, Ashe S, Mur L, Van der Stede Y, Herskin M. Welfare of pigs during transport. EFSA J 2022 Sep;20(9):e07445.
        doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7445pubmed: 36092763google scholar: lookup
      8. Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Earley B, Edwards S, Faucitano L, Marti S, Miranda de La Lama GC, Costa LN, Thomsen PT, Ashe S, Mur L, Van der Stede Y, Herskin M. Welfare of equidae during transport. EFSA J 2022 Sep;20(9):e07444.
        doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7444pubmed: 36092762google scholar: lookup
      9. Heiderscheit KJ, Freestone AD, Beenken AM, Deters EL, Peschel JM, Hansen SL. Long-duration transit and food and water deprivation alter behavioral activities and aggressive interactions at the feed bunk in beef feedlot steers. J Anim Sci 2022 Mar 1;100(3).
        doi: 10.1093/jas/skac060pubmed: 35226738google scholar: lookup
      10. Romero MH, Sánchez JA, Hernandez RO. Field Trial of Factors Associated With the Presence of Dead and Non-ambulatory Pigs During Transport Across Three Colombian Slaughterhouses. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:790570.
        doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.790570pubmed: 35141312google scholar: lookup
      11. Reed LM, Renaud DL, DeVries TJ. Male dairy calf welfare: A Canadian perspective on challenges and potential solutions. Can Vet J 2022 Feb;63(2):187-193.
        pubmed: 35110777
      12. Meijer E, Goerlich VC, van den Brom R, Giersberg MF, Arndt SS, Rodenburg TB. Perspectives for Buck Kids in Dairy Goat Farming. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:662102.
        doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.662102pubmed: 34722689google scholar: lookup
      13. Golightly HR, Brown J, Bergeron R, Poljak Z, Roy RC, Seddon YM, O'Sullivan TL. Physiological response of weaned piglets to two transport durations observed in a Canadian commercial setting. J Anim Sci 2021 Dec 1;99(12).
        doi: 10.1093/jas/skab311pubmed: 34695200google scholar: lookup
      14. Padalino B, Cirone F, Zappaterra M, Tullio D, Ficco G, Giustino A, Ndiana LA, Pratelli A. Factors Affecting the Development of Bovine Respiratory Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study in Beef Steers Shipped From France to Italy. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:627894.
        doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.627894pubmed: 34262960google scholar: lookup
      15. van Dyke R, Miele A, Connor M. An Investigation into the Perceptions of Veterinarians towards Calf Welfare in New Zealand. Animals (Basel) 2021 Feb 6;11(2).
        doi: 10.3390/ani11020421pubmed: 33562050google scholar: lookup
      16. Morris BK, Davis RB, Brokesh E, Flippo DK, Houser TA, Najar-Villarreal F, Turner KK, Williams JG, Stelzleni AM, Gonzalez JM. Measurement of the three-axis vibration, temperature, and relative humidity profiles of commercial transport trailers for pigs. J Anim Sci 2021 Feb 1;99(2).
        doi: 10.1093/jas/skab027pubmed: 33508102google scholar: lookup
      17. Driessen B, Freson L, Buyse J. Fasting Finisher Pigs before Slaughter Influences Pork Safety, Pork Quality and Animal Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2020 Nov 25;10(12).
        doi: 10.3390/ani10122206pubmed: 33255610google scholar: lookup
      18. Saraiva S, Esteves A, Oliveira I, Mitchell M, Stilwell G. Impact of pre-slaughter factors on welfare of broilers. Vet Anim Sci 2020 Dec;10:100146.
        doi: 10.1016/j.vas.2020.100146pubmed: 33145453google scholar: lookup
      19. Hein A, Palme R, Baumgartner K, von Fersen L, Woelfing B, Greenwood AD, Bechshoft T, Siebert U. Faecal glucocorticoid metabolites as a measure of adrenocortical activity in polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Conserv Physiol 2020;8(1):coaa012.
        doi: 10.1093/conphys/coaa012pubmed: 32274062google scholar: lookup
      20. Nivelle B, Vermeulen L, Van Beirendonck S, Van Thielen J, Driessen B. Horse Transport to Three South American Horse Slaughterhouses: A Descriptive Study. Animals (Basel) 2020 Apr 1;10(4).
        doi: 10.3390/ani10040602pubmed: 32244781google scholar: lookup
      21. Vecerkova L, Vecerek V, Voslarova E. Welfare of end-of-lay hens transported for slaughter: effects of ambient temperature, season, and transport distance on transport-related mortality. Poult Sci 2019 Dec 1;98(12):6217-6224.
        doi: 10.3382/ps/pez468pubmed: 31433840google scholar: lookup
      22. Rioja-Lang FC, Brown JA, Brockhoff EJ, Faucitano L. A Review of Swine Transportation Research on Priority Welfare Issues: A Canadian Perspective. Front Vet Sci 2019;6:36.
        doi: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00036pubmed: 30854374google scholar: lookup
      23. Thodberg K, Fogsgaard KK, Herskin MS. Transportation of Cull Sows-Deterioration of Clinical Condition From Departure and Until Arrival at the Slaughter Plant. Front Vet Sci 2019;6:28.
        doi: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00028pubmed: 30834251google scholar: lookup
      24. Grilli C, Stocchi R, Loschi AR, Conti F, Rea S. Survey on broiler pre-slaughter mortality in a commercial abattoir of central Italy. Ital J Food Saf 2018 Sep 26;7(3):5878.
        doi: 10.4081/ijfs.2018.5878pubmed: 30538957google scholar: lookup
      25. Dahl-Pedersen K, Herskin MS, Houe H, Thomsen PT. Risk Factors for Deterioration of the Clinical Condition of Cull Dairy Cows During Transport to Slaughter. Front Vet Sci 2018;5:297.
        doi: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00297pubmed: 30525051google scholar: lookup
      26. Padalino B, Tullio D, Cannone S, Bozzo G. Road Transport of Farm Animals: Mortality, Morbidity, Species and Country of Origin at a Southern Italian Control Post. Animals (Basel) 2018 Sep 17;8(9).
        doi: 10.3390/ani8090155pubmed: 30227665google scholar: lookup
      27. Frisk M, Jonsson A, Sellman S, Flisberg P, Rönnqvist M, Wennergren U. Route optimization as an instrument to improve animal welfare and economics in pre-slaughter logistics. PLoS One 2018;13(3):e0193223.
        doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193223pubmed: 29513704google scholar: lookup
      28. Herskin MS, Fogsgaard KK, Erichsen D, Bonnichsen M, Gaillard C, Thodberg K. Housing of Cull Sows in the Hours before Transport to the Abattoir-An Initial Description of Sow Behaviour While Waiting in a Transfer Vehicle. Animals (Basel) 2016 Dec 22;7(1).
        doi: 10.3390/ani7010001pubmed: 28025479google scholar: lookup
      29. Riley CB, Noble BR, Bridges J, Hazel SJ, Thompson K. Horse Injury during Non-Commercial Transport: Findings from Researcher-Assisted Intercept Surveys at Southeastern Australian Equestrian Events. Animals (Basel) 2016 Oct 25;6(11).
        doi: 10.3390/ani6110065pubmed: 27792128google scholar: lookup
      30. Vecerek V, Voslarova E, Conte F, Vecerkova L, Bedanova I. Negative Trends in Transport-related Mortality Rates in Broiler Chickens. Asian-Australas J Anim Sci 2016 Dec;29(12):1796-1804.
        doi: 10.5713/ajas.15.0996pubmed: 26954219google scholar: lookup
      31. Averós X, Aparicio MA, Ferrari P, Guy JH, Hubbard C, Schmid O, Ilieski V, Spoolder HA. The Effect of Steps to Promote Higher Levels of Farm Animal Welfare across the EU. Societal versus Animal Scientists' Perceptions of Animal Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2013 Aug 14;3(3):786-807.
        doi: 10.3390/ani3030786pubmed: 26479534google scholar: lookup
      32. Niedźwiedź A, Kubiak K, Nicpoń J. Plasma total antioxidant status in horses after 8-hours of road transportation. Acta Vet Scand 2013 Aug 14;55(1):58.
        doi: 10.1186/1751-0147-55-58pubmed: 23945316google scholar: lookup
      33. Alvarado A, Baguindoc M, Bolo R, Kirychuk S, Predicala B. Performance Evaluation of Fan-Ventilated Swine Trailer with Air Filtration for Maintaining Satisfactory Transport Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2025 Dec 27;16(1).
        doi: 10.3390/ani16010083pubmed: 41514771google scholar: lookup
      34. Bąkowska M, Pilarczyk R, Juszczak-Czasnojć M, Seremak B, Tomza-Marciniak A, Kwita E, Felska-Błaszczyk L, Pilarczyk B. The Effect of Environment and Husbandry Practices on Sheep Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2025 Nov 17;15(22).
        doi: 10.3390/ani15223314pubmed: 41302022google scholar: lookup
      35. Manalo GBP, Mizowaki J, Mizukami K, Iwamoto M, Koike K, Nagase M, Kobayashi M, Ninomiya S. Factors Influencing Post-Transport Behavior, Physiological Responses, and Meat Quality Traits of Japanese Black Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2025 Nov 10;15(22).
        doi: 10.3390/ani15223255pubmed: 41301963google scholar: lookup
      36. Mainau E, Goby L, Manteca X. Main Husbandry Practices and Health Conditions That Affect Welfare in Calves: A Narrative Review. Animals (Basel) 2025 Oct 22;15(21).
        doi: 10.3390/ani15213064pubmed: 41227395google scholar: lookup
      37. Callejas-Juárez N, Martínez-Castañeda FE, Rogers-Montoya NA, Hernandez E. The swine market movement and structure in Mexico: Implications for animal welfare and environmental impact. PLoS One 2025;20(7):e0327469.
        doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0327469pubmed: 40632731google scholar: lookup
      38. Jainonthee C, Sanwisate P, Sivapirunthep P, Chaosap C, Pichpol D, Mektrirat R, Chadsuthi S, Punyapornwithaya V. Predicting and explaining high dead-on-arrival outcomes in meat-type ducks using deep learning: A path to improved welfare management. Poult Sci 2025 Sep;104(9):105439.
        doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2025.105439pubmed: 40541105google scholar: lookup
      39. Fu Q, Bai B, Zhou S, Zhao Y, Yang Y, Zhang X, Liu X, Wu M, Zhao W, Bao J, Liu H. A new therapy to alleviate the inflammatory injury of piglet intestine caused by short-distance transportation--music. PLoS One 2025;20(2):e0313354.
        doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313354pubmed: 39999044google scholar: lookup
      40. Jainonthee C, Sanwisate P, Sivapirunthep P, Chaosap C, Mektrirat R, Chadsuthi S, Punyapornwithaya V. Data-driven insights into pre-slaughter mortality: Machine learning for predicting high dead on arrival in meat-type ducks. Poult Sci 2025 Jan;104(1):104648.
        doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.104648pubmed: 39667184google scholar: lookup
      41. Asencio CJ, Palme R, Ferrari HR, Lattanzi ML, Eguizábal GV, Busso JM. Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites and Hair Cortisone/Cortisol Measurements in Domestic Pigs Exposed to Road Transportation and Dexamethasone Treatment. Animals (Basel) 2024 Sep 18;14(18).
        doi: 10.3390/ani14182700pubmed: 39335289google scholar: lookup
      42. Davis MK, Sullivan PA, Hess AM, Nair MN, Mooney DF, Edwards-Callaway LN. An analysis of the influence of preslaughter management factors on welfare and meat quality outcomes in fed beef cattle in the United States. Transl Anim Sci 2024;8:txae108.
        doi: 10.1093/tas/txae108pubmed: 39119361google scholar: lookup
      43. da Silva Rodrigues Mendes N, Rodrigues Silva R, Ferreira de Oliveira T, Ellies-Oury MP, Hocquette JF, Chriki S. Does transport stress have any effect on carcass quality of Nellore cattle (Bos taurus indicus) in Brazil? - A case study. Transl Anim Sci 2024;8:txad134.
        doi: 10.1093/tas/txad134pubmed: 38737522google scholar: lookup
      44. An J, Kim Y, Song M, Choi J, Yun W, Oh H, Chang S, Go Y, Song D, Cho H, Park S, Kim Y, Park Y, Park G, Oh S, Cho J. Effect of loading density and weather conditions on animal welfare and meat quality of slaughter pigs. J Anim Sci Technol 2023 Nov;65(6):1323-1340.
        doi: 10.5187/jast.2023.e34pubmed: 38616884google scholar: lookup
      45. Colitti K, Mitchell M, Langford F. Sheep fatigue during transport: Lost in translation?. Anim Welf 2024;33:e13.
        doi: 10.1017/awf.2024.13pubmed: 38510418google scholar: lookup
      46. Velazco DM, Hess A, Edwards-Callaway LN, Nair MN. Benchmarking the United States bison meat industry: stakeholder perceptions, production parameters, and live animal factors affecting meat quality. J Anim Sci 2024 Jan 3;102.
        doi: 10.1093/jas/skae033pubmed: 38347826google scholar: lookup
      47. Duval E, Lecorps B, von Keyserlingk MAG. Are regulations addressing farm animal welfare issues during live transportation fit for purpose? A multi-country jurisdictional check. R Soc Open Sci 2024 Jan;11(1):231072.
        doi: 10.1098/rsos.231072pubmed: 38269076google scholar: lookup
      48. Pempek JA, England Z, Habing GG, Niehaus A. Rehydration post-transport: duration of oral fluid therapy on behavior, biochemical measures of hydration, and health of neonatal dairy calves. J Anim Sci 2024 Jan 3;102.
        doi: 10.1093/jas/skae011pubmed: 38219072google scholar: lookup
      49. Buckham-Sporer K, Earley B, Marti S. Current Knowledge on the Transportation by Road of Cattle, including Unweaned Calves. Animals (Basel) 2023 Nov 1;13(21).
        doi: 10.3390/ani13213393pubmed: 37958148google scholar: lookup