Fitness for Transport
Written protocols should be in place and reviewed annually with your veterinarian and employees to ensure that certain procedures are carried out appropriately.
Goals:
To determine if an animal is suitable for transport and identify conditions that disqualify animals for transport or the food supply
How to assess:
Review the fitness for transport protocol to confirm that the following information is included and that appropriate criteria are being met:
Dairy Well
- Animals must be evaluated prior to transport to ensure they follow AABP guidelines
- Conditions prohibiting transport as per these guidelines must be listed (e.g. cancer eye, down, emaciated, etc.)
- Medical records must be checked to ensure no withholds are present
- Signed by VOR
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A template is provided as a guideline; farms may write their own as long as minimum content is met.
National Dairy FARM Program
- Animals for culling should be identified by veterinarian, farm manager, or trained employee
- Animals that are eligible for market include cattle that:
- Have met the withdrawal period for any treatment received
- Have not recently had disease or symptoms
- Are ambulatory
- Are well-fed, hydrated, and lively
- Are in sound body condition (greater than a 2.0)
- Are not close to calving
- Are able to rise and walk on their own
- Do not have bone fractures or injuries
- Will pass pre-slaughter inspection
- Trucks and trailers used for transportation of animals should be clean and optimized for comfort, ventilation, and protection from the elements
- Culled animals should be loaded and unloaded in a way that minimizes stress in areas with proper design
- Water and feed should be available if transportation exceeds 24 hours
Validus
- Animals evaluated prior to being loaded on a truck for shipping for their ability to survive a haul without problems
- Animals with questionable chances of survival are to be treated or euthanized
- Holding pens to retain animals prior to transport must provide feed (if held for >4 hours) and water (if held for >2 hours)
- Trailers used for calves <2 weeks old are bedded