[Double-deck cattle transports and their limitations concerning animal welfare]

Double-deck cattle transports are regularly carried out within the country, throughout the EU as well as to non-EU countries. Herein, lengthy transports of one week and more are frequent. Particularly for adult German-Holstein cattle, double-deck transports are problematic as the animals' size renders it increasingly difficult to load them in compliance with animal welfare regulations. Due to their height, the cattle's head or back may collide with the roof or intermediate floor constructions leading to injuries. According to the European Animal Welfare Transport Regulation, it is prohibited to arrange or carry out animal transport in the case bears the risk for injury or unnecessary suffering of the animals. Both the European and the National Animal Welfare Transport Regulations represent the rules and regulations for the commercial transport of animals. The space requirements above the animals (ceiling height) are not clearly defined in the text of this regulation. In 2011, the European Commission responded to an enquiry concerning this question and recommended a ceiling height above the animals of at least 20 cm beyond the withers of the largest individual.This article provides an overview of the animal welfare challenges associated with the double-deck transport of cattle and presents possible solutions.