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
• Medical records must be checked to ensure no withholds are present
• Signed by VOR

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