Transporting Calves

Transport is very stressful for calves and can result in poor welfare if not managed appropriately.

Legal requirements

The key legal requirements for farmers to be aware of when transporting calves include:

• The calf must be at least five days of age if transported to an abbatoir.
  
  
• The calf must have a milk feed within six hours of leaving the farm.
  
  
• The calf must be fit to load (dry navel, healthy, strong and walking, firm and worn hooves and no scours).
  
  
• The calf must be National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tagged.
  
  
• The minimum legal requirements are available in the Calf Transport Standards and Guidelines below.

To be legally fit for transport, a calf must also meet a specific criteria. Refer to the Fit for Transport Criteria below to assess whether calves can be transported.

Proper calf transportation

If transporting calves to an abbatoir, sale yards or another farm, specific transport requirements must be met for the health and welfare of the calves. Key points include:

• Enough space for all calves to lie down on their chest and stand up easily.
  
  
• Protection from wind and cold (the front of the trailer must be closed in, and it is best if the sides and roof are also covered).
  
  
• Airflow to stop it becoming stuffy.
  
  
• Flooring that stops slips, falls or injuries (e.g. rubber matting, wood shavings, rice hulls, carpet or artificial turf).
  
  
• Easy and regular cleaning, disinfection and drying.

To set up a calf trailer properly, refer to the Transporting Calves in Crates or Trailers factsheet below.

Resources

Discover more