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Effect of transport on feeder calves
1US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Bushland, TX 79012.
American Journal of Veterinary Research
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Transporting feeder steers for 12 hours increased morbidity and mortality, indicating stress. Longer transport durations (24 hours) did not worsen these effects, suggesting a complex stress response in cattle.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Feeder steer transport is a common practice with potential welfare implications.
- Understanding the physiological stress response to transport duration is crucial for animal husbandry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of different transport durations (0, 12, and 24 hours) on feeder steer health and physiological parameters.
- To assess the relationship between transport time and indicators of stress, morbidity, mortality, and weight gain.
Main Methods:
- 150 feeder steers were fasted for 24 hours and assigned to 0, 12, or 24-hour transport groups.
- Blood samples were analyzed for complete blood counts and 32 biochemical constituents.
- Morbidity, mortality, and average daily gain were monitored over 56 days.
Main Results:
- Short-haul (12-hour) transport significantly increased morbidity and mortality compared to control and long-haul groups.
- Transport duration influenced erythrocyte, leukocyte counts, and various serum enzyme and mineral levels.
- Differential leukocyte counts indicated a stress response in all transport groups.
Conclusions:
- Transport stress in feeder steers is evident through physiological changes and increased health risks.
- Short-duration transport (12 hours) posed a higher risk to steer welfare than longer durations.
- Calf source significantly affected most tested variables, highlighting its importance in animal transport studies.