TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERFOR THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY

representing the Scottish red meat industry

An information and training packageproduced byQMSfor farm animal transport

LIVESTOCK TRANSPORTCATTLE SHEEP AND PIGSHANDLE WITH CARE...

Price: £10.00

Introduction Whoneedscertificatesofcompetence. 1

Animal behaviour Animalexperienceinfluenceshowtheyreacttohandling.

Thedifferentinfluences;howtomanage;useoftheflightzone. 2

Causesofstress Animalgroups,andwhereseparationisrequired. Stressonyoungorpregnantstock. 3

Appropriatehandling Goodpreparation.Takingcharge,andcorrectuseofpersuasion. Rulesfortheuseofgoads. 4

Loadingandunloading Stressofloading.Factorstoconsiderbeforeloading.Rampangles. 5

Fitnesstotravel Responsibilities;whatisfitornotfitfortravel? Newrequirementsforyounganimals.Bedding. 6

Casualtyanimals Transporttothenearestsuitablelocation.Veterinaryadvice. 7

Hygiene Controllingtheriskofdiseasespread,andcreatingagoodimage. Therulesoncleaningvehicles. 8

Stockingdensity Factorsthatinfluencestockingdensity,suchasweather. Currentguidanceonnumbers. 9

Journeytimes Additionalvehiclerequirementsforjourneysover8hours. Requirementsforfeedandwater. 11

Drivershours SummaryofnewECRegulations. 12

Journeyplanning/ Journeysstartwhenthefirstanimalisloaded. Contingencyplans Listcontactnumbersforadvice.Alwaysplanahead. 13

Ventilation Freshair,removalofheat,managementoftemperaturestress. 14

Vehicleconstruction Checklistforvehicleuse,includinglighting. anduse Certificationofvehiclesforover8hourjourneys. 15

Drivingsafely Howdriverskillinfluencesanimalwelfareandproductquality. Thevalueofsmoothoperations,brakingandattentiontotyres. 17

Healthandsafety Yoursafetyinadifficultjob.Personalhygiene. 18

Legislation Whoisresponsibleforwhat.Thedriverisalwaysresponsible forlivestockontheirvehicle. 19

Paperwork AnimalTransportcertificates,Authorisations,CertificatesofCompetence. 20

Enforcement Whoisresponsibleforcheckinganimalwelfare, andwhataretheirpowers. 21

Exports Additionalrequirementsfortheexporttrade.Journeylogs. 22

Furtherinformation Guidancenotesandlocalcontacts. 23

An information package for drivers involved in the transport of all farm livestock

Producedby:Jamie RobertsonLivestock Management SystemsPioneerHouse,Aberdeen,AB115DE

Withthanksto:the QMS livestock transport steering group,

the hauliers, and other kind contributors

Contents

Further information

The information contained in this document cannot cover all the relevant issues in detail.Thedocumentslistedbelowcontainfurtherdetails,andthecontactlistgiveslinkstospecialistadvice.

WelfareofAnimalsDuringTransport.GuidanceNotes.CouncilRegulation(EC)No1/2005ontheprotectionofanimalsduringtransportandtheWelfareofAnimals(Transport)(England)Order2006.Defra2006.www.defra.gov.uk

Livestocktransportvehicles.Aguidetobestpracticeforvehicleventilation.Defra2005www.defra.gov.uk TheEUDrivers’HoursRules.RoadHaulageAssociation.

SFQC Ltd QMSRoyal Highland Centre The Rural Centre10thAvenue, InglistonIngliston, NewbridgeEdinburgh MidlothianEH288NF EH288NZTel:01313356600 Tel:01314724040Fax:01313356601 Fax:01314724038Email:info@sfqc.co.uk www.qmscotland.co.uk

Road Haulage Association NFUSScotland & Northern Ireland The Rural CentreRoadwayHouse InglistonTheRuralCentre NewbridgeIngliston EH288NZNewbridge Tel:01314724000EH288NZ Fax:01314724010Tel:01314724180 www.nfus.org.uk

The Rural Directorate Scottish Pig Producers LtdAnimalHealthandWelfareDivision 28KingStreetRoom350 HuntlyPentlandHouse AB548DG47Robb’sLoan Tel:01466792284EDINBURGHEH141TYTel.01312446479www.scotland.gov.uk

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Remembertheneedforavalidvehicleapprovalcertificateforjourneysover8hourstoEUmemberstates.Therewillalsobearequirementforajourneyplanandajourneylog.

Ajourneylogrequiresdetailofthefollowing:

1.Planning2.Placeofdeparture3.Placeofdestination4.Declarationbytransporter5.Specimenanomalyreport

FulldetailsareavailableintheDefraguidancenotes.www.defra.gov.uk

Exports...

From5thJanuary2008alltransportersandattendantsusingroadvehiclesfortransportingfarmanimals(includingpoultryandhorses)musthavereceivedappropriatetraining,andmustholdacertificateofcompetenceissuedbyanindependentbody.Thisbookletisintendedtoformpartoftherequiredtraining,alongwiththeexperiencegainedinpracticewiththehandlingandtransportoffarmanimals.

Additionalinformationcanbefoundintheguidancenotes‘WelfareofAnimalsDuringTransport’publishedbyDefra,andavailableonthewebatwww.defra.gov.uk

Therequirementfortrainingandcertificationofcompetenceappliestoanydriver/attendanttransportingfarmanimalsbyroad,butnotifthejourneyis:

a. Notinconnectionwithaneconomicactivity;b. Byfarmersusingtheirownoragriculturalvehiclesforseasonalmigration,suchasmoving stocktosummerpastureorwintergrazing;c. Byfarmersoftheirownanimalsintheirownvehiclesforadistanceoflessthan50km(31 miles)fromtheirholding;d. Thejourneyis65km(40miles)travelleddistanceorless;e. Directlyto/fromveterinarypracticesorclinicsundertheadviceofaveterinarian

Assessmentofcompetencewillbeavailablefromavarietyofsources.SFQCcanprovidecertifiedassessment.Seethesectiononinformationsourcesonpage23forfurtherdetails.

Assessmentsofthoseinvolvedinjourneysunder8hoursareprovidedbymeansofamultiplechoicetheorytest.Driversinvolvedinjourneysover8hourswillalsorequireapracticalassessment of competence including driving and animal handling skills

Assessmentofcompetencewill,formostdrivers,providerecognitionoftheskillsandknowledgethattheyalreadyhold.

Drivingforquality–showingthatqualitycounts

Introduction...

1 22

Aknowledgeofhowanimalsarelikelytobehave is an essential ingredient of successful livestockhaulage,andisnowarequirementunderlaw.Formostoperativesthisknowledgeisalreadypresent,andthenotesbelowarepurelyintendedasareminder.However,itisnotreasonabletoexpectnewentrantstotheindustrytohavethesameknowledgeasexperienced staff, and there is an obligation on thesectortomakesurethatdriversarewellinformed.

Thewayinwhichanimalsreacttotransportwillinfluencethedegreeofstressthatthetransportimpactsonthem.Therearemanyaspectstobeconsidered,including:

•Previousexposuretohandling•Previousexposuretomixingwithotheranimals•Previousphysicalexertion•Previousexposuretotheelements(hot,cold,wind,daylight,noise)•Thephysiologicalstateoftheanimal(seenextpage).

Mostdriversonregularhaulageoflivestockwillrecognisethatanimalsfromdifferentfarmscanactindifferentways,beingmoreorlesseasytohandle.Thisisaresultofdifferentgenetics, different breeding practices, different systems of management, and different levelsofstockmanship.Thegeneticsandpreviousexperienceofananimalwillinfluencehowtheyreacttothenovelsituationoftransport.Agooddriverwillacknowledgethesedifferencesandactaccordingly.

Itisessentialtorecognisetheacutesensesofanimals,andhowtheyreactdifferentlyfromustothenewexperienceofbeingcollectedtogether,loadedandtransported.Akeydifference is their ability to see, as many animals have restricted vision due to having their eyesoneithersideofthehead.Wecanusetheirrestrictedabilitytoseetoinfluencewheretheywilllook,andthereforewhereweshouldstandtoinfluencetheirbehaviour.

Allanimalshaveaspacearoundthemtermedthe‘flightzone’.Askilledhandlerwillapproachananimaluptotheedgeoftheflightzoneinordertoencouragetheanimaltomove.Iftheflightzoneisencroached,theanimalwillpanicandtrytoflee.Thesizeoftheflightzoneisaffectedbyanumberoffactorsincludingage,experienceandbreed.Askilledstockpersonisabletojudgethesizeoftheflightzoneforananimalorgroupofanimalsandactaccordingly.

Cattle can be moved more effectively if the handler positions themselves at an angle to the groupratherthandirectlybehind.Forsheep,toomuchencouragementfromthesideofthegroupmaycausethemtochangedirection.Ifyougettooclosetheywillbunchandattempttorunbackpastyou.Gaincontrolbyusingtheflightzone.

‘authoritiestoinspectanimals,documentationandvehicles’.

ResponsibilityforcheckingcompliancewiththeregulationslieswiththeLocalAuthoritiesandincludescheckingthevehicle,thelivestockandthepaperwork.Theymaygiveadviceandverbalwarnings,andtheirpositionmustberespected.Theymayalsoissuenoticeundertheregulationsthatrequirethetransporterto:

•Nottransportaparticulargroupofanimals•Fulfilspecialconditionsfortransport•Completeajourneyorreturntotheplaceofdeparturebythemostdirectroute•Holdanimalsinaparticularlocationuntilaproblemisresolved•Haveananimalhumanelyslaughtered•Requirerepairorreplacementofequipmentbeforeitcanbeused

AnimalHealthalsocarriesoutenforcementwork.Non-statutorybodiessuchastheScottishSPCAmaytakeactionwhenanimalsareindistress.

Seriousorrepeatedinfringementcanresultinprosecution.Authorisationstotransportcanalsoberemoved,suspendedorhaveconditionsattached.InpracticethestandardofoperationshaskeptimprovingandthenumberofcautionsissuedinScotlandislow.Qualitypays.

Powers of enforcement... Animal behaviour...

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SeparationItisbothnaturalandsensibletokeepanimalsinfamiliargroups.Therewillbeoccasionswhenthequestionofseparationarises,andthelawisquiteclearonwhatmustbehandledandtransportedseparately:

Animalstobekeptseparate:

a.Animalsofdifferentspeciesb.Animalsofsignificantlydifferentsizesandagec.Adultbreedingboarsd.Animalswithhornsfromanimalswithouthornse.Sexuallymaturemalesfromfemalesf.Animalshostiletoeachotherg.Tiedanimalsfromuntiedanimals

Exemptions:

1.Femalesaccompaniedbydependantyoung,2.Animalsingroups(a),(b),(c)and(d)abovethathavebeenraisedtogethermaybetransportedtogether.

Thephysiologicalstateofananimalcaninfluenceitsabilitytowithstandtheeffectsofstress.Younganimalsnotonlyhavelessexperienceofthewiderenvironment,buthavelowerreservesofenergy,alowerthresholdofresistancetoextremesoftemperature,andoftenalowerresistancetoanydiseaseorganismspresentcomparedtoolderanimals.Adultfemaleanimalsmaybepregnant,andshouldbehandledwithgreatcare.

Carefulhandlingwillminimiseadditionalstressonanimals.Identifyingparticularlynervousanimals is good practice, and care should be taken to keep such animals as part of their peer group.Animalsontheirownaremorelikelytobecomestressedthanthosekeptaspartofafamiliargroup.

Youcanuseyourownstresslevelsasanindicatorofwhatisimpactingonthestockinyourcare.Iftheloading,drivingorunloadingiswindingyouup,youcanbesurethatyourbehaviourwillbeimpactingnegativelyonthestockinyourcare.Staycool,andhelpdeliverthequalitylivestockthatweneed.

RememberthatanAnimalTransportCertificate(ATC)isrequiredonalljourneysexceptforfarmerstransportingtheiranimalsonjourneysupto50km,oraspartofseasonaltranshumance.DeliverynotesorAnimalMovementDocumentsmaybeusedifpreferred.ATCsmustbekeptfor3years. ATCsmuststate:

•Nameandaddressofthetransporter•Animaloriginandownership•Theirplaceofdeparture•Thedateandtimeofdeparture•Theirintendedplaceofdestination•Theexpecteddurationoftheintendedjourney•Thedateandtimeofunloadingatthedestination(usefulbutnotmandatory)

Authorisation Anyonetransportinganimalsonjourneysofover65kmmustholdavalidtransportauthorisation.Authorisationsareforshortjourneys(over65kmanduptoeighthours),orforlongjourneys(alljourneys,includingovereighthours).AuthorisationsareissuedbyAnimalHealth(formerlytheStateVeterinaryService)andarevalidfor5years.Theauthorisationreferstothebusiness,nottotheindividualdriversofvehicles.

Youmustalwayscarryyourauthorisationcertificate,oraphotocopyofit,whentransportinganimals.

Certificatesofcompetencemustbecarriedatalltimesonrelevantjourneysandmadeavailabletoenforcementofficers.

LongjourneyauthorisationsVehiclesusedfortransportonjourneysover8hoursmusthaveavalidvehicleapprovalcertificate,andacopymustbecarriedonallrelevantjourneys.Theremustalsobeasystemwherebythejourneyover12hourscanbetracedandrecorded.Thisrequirementcanbemetbyensuringmobilephonecontactwiththedriverandfullyfunctioningtachographs.

Contingencyplansaregoodpracticeforalljourneys,andthereisalegalrequirementforthesetobewrittendownforlongjourneys.Inpracticemostoperatorshaveasystemfordealingwithbreakdowns,sickanimals,andpoorweatherorroadconditions.Ifindoubt,phonetheoffice.

Listyourcontactseg:

•Office/home•Lairage/markets/destinations•QAsupportline•Veterinarycontact/Defra/TradingStandards•Garage/mechanic•Tyres(24hoursupport)•Vehiclehelplines

Causes of stress & appropriate action to take... Paperwork...

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Thebestwaytomoveanimalsistounderstandtheirnaturalbehaviour,andtoworkwiththatbehaviour.Animalstendto move better in familiar groups, at a steady speed to encourageforwardvision,andwithoutdistractions.Animalsmovebettertowardslightthantowardsdarkareas.

•Passagewaysshouldbeclear•Passagewaysshouldberobustandfreefrominjurious surfaces•Instrumentssuchassticksmayonlybeusedfor guidance

Donotbereluctanttotakechargeofhandlingifthesituationrequiresit.Askpeopletomoveifneeded,ortoassistifpractical.Yourknowledgeandexperiencemaybesubstantial–havetheconfidencetouseit.

Forcattleandsheep,useyourvoice,flags,andastickasanextensionofthearm.Forpigs,useyourvoice,sacks,andpigboards.

PersuasionItisforbiddento:

•Strikeorkickananimal,orcausepain•Useapointedstickofanykind•Useanalkathenepipeoranysticktostrikeananimal•Liftordraginanywaythatmaycausepainorsuffering•Suspendananimalbymechanicalmeans•Tieananimalbyitshornsoranosering,ortieitslegs

Whereanimalsneedtobetiedtheropesused,tethersorothermeansusedshall:

a)Bestrongenoughnottobreakb)Allowtheanimal,ifnecessary,toliedown,andtoeatordrinkc)Notgiveriskofstrangulationorinjuryd)Allowanimalstobequicklyreleased

Onoccasion,ananimalmayneedtobepersuadedtomovewhenitwishestostayput.Yourbestmeansofmovingananimalistounderstanditsbehaviour.Ifstrongpersuasionisrequiredtheapplicationofaprodinasensiblemannerisonlypermittedunderthefollowingconditionsandrules:

•Electronicgoadsshouldbeavoidedasfaraspossible•Electronicgoadsmayonlybeused,ifatall,onadultcattleoradultpigsthatrefusetomove•Electronicgoadsmayonlybeusedwhentheanimalhasaclearroutetofollow•Electronicshocksmayonlybeappliedforamaximumofonesecond,andonlytothe hindquartermuscles•Electronicshockmaynotbeusedrepeatedlyiftheanimalfailstorespond

Poorhandlingcanresultinloweredmeatquality,aswellasbruising,injury,anincreaseintheseverityofanydiseasecarried,hyperthermiaorsuddendeath.Goodqualityhandlingisanabsoluterequirementforgoodqualitystock.

Responsibilityforanimalwelfareduringallstagesofajourneyislogical.Theownerofthelivestockhasaresponsibilitytoensurethatthejourneyandanycontractorsaresuitable,whilstthetransporterhastheimmediateresponsibilitytoensurestandardsaremetduringthejourney,andthattheanimalsareleftinadequatecare.

Donotacceptresponsibilityforanimalsorconditionsthatyouknowarenotsuitable.Ifindoubt,phonetheoffice,theowner,thevet,orothercontactsuchasamarketinggroup.Itisgoodpracticetoalwayshaveacontactforguidance,andmaysaveyougrieflater.

Legislation... Appropriate methods of handling...

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Whentransportinglivestockthedriveristhemostimportantcomponentoftheoperation.Health and safety is not something to take for granted, and there are many aspects of livestockhaulagethatrepresentarisktohealthandsafety.Handlinglivestockatloadingandunloadingalwaysinvolvesrisk,andcareisalwaysneededtoprotectthedriver.Thereductioninstaffinglevelsonfarmsincreasestheprobabilityofloneworking,andloadinglivestockwithinadequatenumbersofpeopleisariskybusiness.Ifindoubt,seekhelp.Calltheoffice.

Professionaldrivingcarriesinherentrisks.AlthoughHGVdrivershaveagoodstatuswithinsurancecompanies,reflectingthecompetenceinvolved,therearestillstrainsthatshouldbeacknowledged.Iftirednessdoesnotactuallykill,itdefinitelyincreasestheriskofaccidentsoccurring.Sittingforhoursatatime,dayin,dayout,ishardonpostureandcanleadtobackproblems.Attentiontoeyesightisessential.

Gettingoutofavehicleisnottheendoftherisks.Workingintheconfinedspacesofmarkets,farms, and processors carries risks from being hit by other vehicles, so stay alert and make surethatyouareseenbyothers.Ifindoubt,seeksupportfromthosearoundyou.

Slipsandtripsareamongthemostcommonreasonsforaccidentstopeople.Workingwithlivestock,withtheirindependentmanner,inconditionsthatcanbeslipperyandsometimesinpoorlighting,isdangerous.

PersonalhygieneThereareanumberofzoonoticdiseaseswhichcanbetransmittedfromanimalstoman.Asalivestockhaulier,youwillnotalwaysknowwhatdiseaserisksarepresent.However,therearesimple actions that can be taken to reduce the risks, and the easiest is to keep up personal hygienestandards.Keepinghandscleanwillalwaysreducerisksofcontractingdisease,anditissensibletoalwayswashhands(oruseacleanhandwipe)beforeeating,drinkingorsmoking.

Thelivestockindustryneedsyou,solookafteryourself.

‘loading and unloading facilities must be designed, constructed and maintainedsoastoavoidinjuryorsufferingandensurethesafetyofanimals’

Loadingandunloadingareoftenthemoststressfulpartofthejourneyforlivestock.Unfamiliarsurroundings,physicaleffort,mixingwithother animals and the presence of stockpeople can all be accumulative stresses.

Theaimistominimisetheimpactonthestockinyourcare,andthiscanbeachievedby:

•Goodpreparation-clean,non-slipfloors,noobstructions•Goodcommunication-whodoeswhat,where,andwhen•Goodknowledge-howmanystock,ofwhattype•Goodequipment-suitableandwell-maintained

Ramp rulesClimbingaloadingramprequireseffortforallanimals.Forsomeanimalsthatarenotusedtowalkingonslopes,orwhichareunfitinanyway,climbingrampsisamajorstressor.Thesteepertheramp;thegreaterthestress.Thetargetistogettheanimalsupanyrampwiththeminimumofstress,whichmeansadequatepreparation,non-slipsurfaces,keepinganimalsinagroup,andmovingforward.

Therearenewrulesrelevanttorampanglesonvehicles.

•Forpigsandcalves–maximumrampangleis20o

•Forsheepandcattle–maximumrampangleis26o

Atoleranceof+/-5oonrampanglesmaybeallowed.Footbattensmustbepresentwheretheslopeismorethan10o.Astepofnomorethan21cm(8inches)ispermittedatthetopandbottomofaramp.

•Arampangleof20oisequivalenttoariseof4overadistanceof11•Arampangleof26oisequivalenttoariseof4overadistanceof8

Vehiclesbuiltandinusebefore5thJanuary2007thatcompliedwiththepreviousWATOregulationsmaycontinuetobeuseduntil4thJanuary2012ifitisimpracticaloruneconomictoupgradethem.Allnewvehiclesmustcomplywiththenewrules.

Loading, operating and driving safelyefficiently & effectively... Health and safety...

5 18

“Noanimalshallbetransportedunlessitisfitfortheintendedjourney,andallanimalsshallbetransportedinconditionsguaranteednottocausetheminjuryorunnecessarysuffering”.Animalsmustbeabletowalkfreelyonallfourfeetwithoutpainorassistance.

Ananimalmustbefitfortheintendedjourney,andmustremainsufficientlyfitthroughoutthejourney.Thisapparentlysimpletargetcanbeproblematicinpractice;howcanitbepossibletoseeeveryanimalunderthesometimesdifficultworkingconditionsencountered?Theaimmustbetoprovidetheconditionsthatallowadrivertoadequatelyinspectlivestockatloading,andtoprovideaworkingattitudethatdoesnotpressurisetheindividualintocarryingunfitstock.

Theresponsibilityforassessmentoffitnesstotravellieswithanumberofpeopledependingonthesituation.Inallcaseshowever,thefinaldecisionandresponsibilityonwhethertotransportananimalrestswiththedriverofthevehicle(orthekeeperoftheanimaliftheyaregoingtoaccompanytheanimal).Donotacceptunfitstock.Ifindoubtorwherefitnessisdisputed,obtaintheprofessionalopinionofaveterinarysurgeon.

Ananimalshallnotbeconsideredfitforitsintendedjourneyifitisill,injured,infirmorfatigued,unlesstheintendedjourneyisnotlikelytocauseitunnecessarysuffering.Seethefollowingsectiononcasualtyanimalsfordetail(page7).

Animalsarealsoconsiderednotfitfortransportif:•Theyareunabletomovewithoutpainorassistance•Theypresentasevereopenwoundorprolapse•Theyarepregnantfemales90%ormoreintotheexpectedgestationperiod•Theyhavegivenbirthduringtheprecedingweek•Theyarenewlybornanimalsinwhichthenavelhasnotbeencompletelyhealed

Newrequirementsareinplaceforspecificyounganimals:•Lambsoflessthanoneweek;•Calvesoflessthan10days;•Pigletsoflessthanthreeweeks;canonlybetransportedforamaximumof100km(62miles).

Beddingrequirementsforyounganimals.Beddingprovidesinsulation,andisconsideredvitalforyoungstockthatarenaturallymoresusceptibletocoldtemperatures.Beddingisarequirementfor:•Pigletslessthan10kgs•Lambslessthan20kgs•Calveslessthan6monthsInaddition,allpigsunder30kgmustbeprovidedwithbeddingon8-12hourjourneys.Beddingalsohasaroleinmaintaininghygiene;itisillegaltoallowfaecesorurinetoleakfromavehicle.

Lactating female cattle or sheep not accompanied by their offspring must be milked at intervalsofnotmorethan12hours.

Thereisagoodrelationshipbetweendriverskill,theamountofstressonlivestock,andalsotheprofitabilityofthetransportbusiness.Smooth,consistentdrivinghabitsallowtheanimalstorelaxmoreduringajourneythanhard,erraticdriving.Scientificstudyhasshownthatnotonlydoesaharddrivingstyleincreasemeasurablestressontheanimalstransported,butalsosignificantlydecreasesmeatquality.

Ithasbeenestimatedthatthereisadifferenceof20%infuelefficiencybetweendrivingonaflatroadatunevenspeedsofupto100km/hcomparedwithauniform,cruisecontrolledsafespeedof80km/h.Ifyouencounteraslowerdriveronaroadwithnopassingopportunities,sitbackandtakeasteadypaceratherthanhustlingasituationyoudonotcontrol.

BrakingSmoothbrakinghelpstokeepanimalsontheirfeetwithminimumofeffort.•Hardbreaking=morestress•Morestress=badwelfare•Badwelfare=poormeatquality

TheprinciplesofroadholdingofanHGVandtheabilityofananimaltobesure-footedarethesame.However,thedriverhascompletecontroloverthevehicle,butonlypartialcontrolovertheanimal.Compensateforthispartiallackofcontrolbyapplyingknowledgeofhowananimalwillbehaveundercertainconditions.

The animal you transport probably has more pressure on its feet than the load on the vehicletyres,andtheywillbeworkinghardtostayontheirfeet.Themoreefforttheyarerequiredtomake,thegreaterthestresstheywillbeunder.Foraloadedlivestockvehiclewith18wheels,theforcesincontactwiththegroundare;•Theloadonthetyresis4.7kgpersquarecentimetreonthetyres•A600kgcowhasfourfeetincontactwiththeground•Theloadonthecow’sfeetis12kgpersquarecentimetreKnowthestresses,handlewithcare.

TyresTheprogressivesideofthetransportsectoriswellawareofthevalueofcorrecttyrepressures.Allthepointsarecompletelyrelevanttothesmoothtransportofanimalsandminimising stress•Avoidunnecessaryharshbreaking•Trytouseaconstantthrottle•Checkthebrakesandbrakingsytemsareproperlyadjusted•Checkthattyresarecorrectlyinflatedandhavesufficientdepthoftread•Usetheenginebreakorretarderiffitted•Gettheownertofitautomaticanti-lockbreaking

Recognisethedifficultconditionsthatyouworkunder.Thereareveryfewdriversontheroadthatrequiremoreskillsthanthelivestocktransporter.Youhavealiveload,avehiclewithahighcentreofgravity,andaloadthatisnottieddown.Althoughtherearetighttimeschedules to keep, it is better to phone ahead if you encounter problems on the road than it istoriskputtingpressureonthelivestock,thevehicle,andyourself.

Driving safely... Fitness to travel...

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A casualty animal may be transported to the nearest available place for treatment orslaughteriftransportwouldnotcause

additionalsuffering.

•Incasesofdoubt,veterinaryadviceshallbesought•Ifananimalshouldfallillorbeinjuredduringtransporttheyshallbeseparatedfromthe othersandreceivefirstaidtreatmentassoonaspossible.Getappropriateveterinarysupport immediately.•Sedativesshallnotbeusedunlessstrictlynecessary,andonlyusedunderveterinary supervision

Animals may be transported under veterinary supervision only if no unnecessary suffering iscaused.Thisrequirementfor‘nounnecessarysuffering’isobviouslyopentoindividualinterpretationandsometimesdisagreement.Followalltheguidanceandbepreparedtoseekadviceincasesofdoubt.Wedoneedtoworktogetheronthisissueandthismayrequireanincreaseinopendiscussionbyeveryoneinvolvedindifficultcases.

Casualtyanimalsmustbeaccompaniedbytherelevantdeclaration.Arrangementsshouldbemadewherenecessarytonotifytheprocessoroftheanimal’sconditionandtoensureappropriatefacilitiesareavailable.Donotacceptanimalsthatarenotaccompaniedwiththerelevantpaperwork.

Animalsthatareslightlyillorinjuredmayonlybetransportedunderverylimitedcircumstances,andonlyifitdoesnotcauseanyunnecessarysufferingorilltreatment:

•Transporttoaveterinarysurgeryfordiagnosisortreatment•Directfromfarmtothenearestavailableslaughterhouse•Lameanimals;pennedsinglywithspacetoliedownandwithadequatebedding

Thedrivermustknowwhatactiontotakeifanemergencyarisesduringajourney.Asuggestedplanwouldincludehavingcontactnumberstoaveterinarypracticeoranotherformofanimalhealthadvice(seepage13).

Casualty animals...

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Hygiene...The good name and survival of livestock production in theUKtoasignificantextentreliesonmaintaininggoodhealthstandardsinourlivestock.Transport,andthestandardsofhygieneintransport,playsamajorroleinmaintainingstandards.Therearetworeasonsforthis:

1.Movementoflivestock,andtheirby-productssuch as faeces, urine and organic matter, can facilitate the transmission of disease around the country2.Transportasasourceofstresscaninfluencethe amount of disease organisms that an individual animalcanshedfromitsbody–ifithasdisease,it willspreadmorebugswhenitisstressed.

Therearemanylinksinthechainofeventsthatcausespreadofdisease.Generally,livestockvehiclesarenottheweakestlinkinthechain,andstandardsofcleanlinessonlivestockvehiclesareagoodindicatorofthehardworkthatgoesintokeepingthetransportfleetclean.However,itis appreciated that the infrastructure for getting vehicles clean as soon as they are unloaded is not alwaysperfect,anditisanessentialelementofplanningthatthedriverisalwaysknowledgeableaboutwherethevehiclecanbecleanedbeforethenextpick-up.

Thereisalegalrequirementtopreventfaecesandurinefromleakingfromavehicle.Slurryontheroad not only represents an uncontrolled risk of spreading disease, but carries the risk of alienating thepublictoourindustry.Muckonthestreetsisnotagoodpublicityimage.

All vehicles must be cleaned and disinfected after every transport of animals and if necessary before anynewloadingofanimals.Thisruledoesnotapplywhentransportinganimalsrepeatedlyfromthesamesourcetothesamedestination(althoughitmaybesensiblebiosecuritytowashthevehicleanyway…).Asageneralrule,ifyoucanseedirt,itmaycontaindisease.

‘Vehiclesmustbedesigned,constructedandmaintainedsoastoavoidinjuryorsufferingandensurethesafetyofanimals’

ThestandardoflivestockvehiclesoperatinginScotlandhasincreasedsignificantlysincetheintroductionoftheWATOregulationsin1997.Benefitshaveaccruedtothewelfareoflivestock,productquality,workingconditionsandaboveall,theimageoftheindustry.

Vehiclebodiesmust:•Becleanandkepteasytoclean•Robustandpreventescape•Protectfrombadweatherandextremetemperatures•Provideadequateventilation•Floorsmustbenon-slip•Adequatelightingmustbeavailabletoloadandunloadsafely•Lightingmustbeavailableforinspectionofalllivestockonthevehicle•Havesuitableopenings(andfootholds)topermitinspectionfromoutside

Spotlightsattherearofthevehiclewillaidloadingandunloading,andbulkheadlightswithinthevehiclewillimprovetheefficiencyofloading.Atorchwillprovideaminimumstandardoflightingforinspectionofstockwithinthevehicle,butmustbeadequateforthetask.

Anyvehiclesusedonjourneysover8hoursmustbeinspectedbyanindependentauthorisedbody,andcarryavalidvehicleapprovalcertificate.Inspectionwillcoverallthestandardvehiclerequirements,plustherequirementsforlongjourneyswhichinclude:•water/feedequipment•indicationofliveanimalsbeingtransported(alabelonoutsideofcontainer)Vehiclebodiesthatarecertifiedforlongjourneysmustcarryanexternalplatethatidentifiestheuniquenumberissuedbythecertifyingbody,andthedateofissue.

Allnewvehicles(from1stJanuary2007)forjourneysover12hourswithintheUKoroutsidetheUKmustcarryequipmentthat:•recordsdetailsofthejourneyassetoutinthejourneylog•recordstheopeningandclosingofthetailgateThiswillbearequirementforallover12hourjourneyvehiclesfrom1stJanuary2009.

Vehicle construction & use...

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A steady supply of fresh air to all livestock on a vehicle is essential to support normal health, and to remove the excess moisture and heat that comes from the animals’bodies.Thereisalwaysarequirementforaminimumventilationratewhatevertheweatheroranimalconditions.

The challenge for the transport sector is to provide adequateventilationwhenavehicleisstationary,andalsowhendrivingat56mphonacoldmorning.Thefirstprincipleistounderstandthetemperaturerequirementsofthelivestockonboardanyparticularjourney,andtoprovideadequateopeningsonthevehicletomeetthoserequirementsundertheprevalentweatherconditions.

Generally,hightemperaturesareonlypotentiallyaproblemintheUKwhenvehiclesarestationary,orslow-movinginhotweather.Theriskcomesfromthebuildupofbodyheatfromtheanimalswithinthetrailer,fromheatthatisnormallyremovedbythepassageofairwhenthevehicleismoving.Ifavehicleisstoppedforaperiod,orinslow-movingtrafficinwarmweather,ensureallventflapsareopen.Ifthereareoptions,inwarmweatheralways:•Parkintheshade•Parkacrossanywindorbreeze

Typicalvaluesforheatproductionare:

Species Liveweight(kg) Heat(Watts)Cattle 500 500Calves 70 100Pigs 100 200Sheep 40 75

Fromthevaluesaboveitcanbeestimatedthatafullyloadedtripledeckerofpigshasaninternalheatproductionof36000watts,or36KW.Ifthisheatisnotabletoleavethevehicle,thetemperaturewillriserapidly.Hencetheneedtomaintainairflowthroughoutthevehicletopreventhightemperaturesthatwouldrapidlystresstheanimals.

Persistentcoldtemperatureswillstresslivestock,withtheimpactbuildingovertime.Younganimalsarelessabletowithstandcoldstressthanolderones,asareanimalsthathavenoteatenforawhile,orwhicharephysiologicallystressed.

Undernormaltransportconditionsmoreairentersthevehiclebodytowardstherearthanthefront.Thismeansthat,undercoldweatherconditions,therewillbeahigherriskofcoldstressattherearofthevehicle.Conversely,underhotweatherconditionstherewillbeahigherriskofheatstressatthefrontofthevehicle,behindthebulkhead.

Vehiclesusedfortransportonjourneysofmorethan12hoursintheUKmustbefittedwithaventilationsystemcapableofdistributinganevenairflowthroughoutthevehicle.Thecapacityofthesystemmustbeatleast60m3/hour/KNofpayload,andofoperatingforatleast4hoursindependentofthevehicleengine.

Stocking density & segregation... Ventilation...

Scientificresearchhasshownthatspacecanbecriticalfactorintheproductionofstressinanimals.However,theresultsareconfusedbyenvironmentalfactors,andavehicleshouldalwaysbeloadedwithconsiderationof:•Thepreviousexperienceoftheanimals•Theweather,andinparticulartheoutsidetemperatures•Thedurationofthejourney•Theleveloffitnessoftheanimals(seepage6).

Theavailablespaceinavehicleincludesthespaceatheadlevel.Thereisaneedtoallowadequatespaceatheadleveltoprovidefreshairtoallanimalsandtofacilitateremovalofex-cessbodyheat.Becarefulwiththestockingdensityatthefrontofanartictrailer/swanneck,wheretheheadheightcanbelessthantherestofthevehicle.

Spaceallowancesshouldatleastconformtothefollowingfigures:

Cattle

Category Approximate Area Approximateno.per weight(kgs) (m2peranimal) 8ft4”x10ftpen

Smallcalves 50 0.30to0.40 19to25Mediumsizedcalves 110 0.40to0.70 11to19Heavycalves 200 0.70to0.95 8to11Mediumsizedcattle 325 0.95to1.30 6to8Heavycattle 550 1.30to1.60 5to6Veryheavycattle >700 >1.60 ≤5

Sheep

Category Weight Area Approximateno.per (kgs) (m2peranimal) 8ft4”x10ftpen

Shornsheepandlambs <55 0.20to0.30 25to37of26kgsandover >55 >0.30≤25Unshornsheep <55 0.30to0.40 19to25 >55 >0.40 ≤19Heavilypregnantewes <55 0.40to0.50 15to19 >55 >0.50 ≤15

PigsAllpigsmustbeabletostandupandliedownintheirnaturalposition.Stockingdensityofpigsaround100kgshouldnotexceed235kg/m2.Thisisequivalenttoap-proximately0.42m2/animal,or18finishingpigsinan8ftx10ftstandardpen.

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The transport of animals is one part of a chain of events that can impact on animal welfare,andthereisanexpectationthatanyjourneyisplannedtomeettherequirementsofthespecificanimalstransported,theexpectedweatherandjourneyconditions.Thejourneymustconsiderthepreviousexperience,theage,andthephysiologicalstateoftheanimals.Thejourneyplanmustalsoincludesuitableinformationforthedriversothathecandealwithlow-riskbutpredictableeventssuchasdelays,extremesofweatherconditions,andanimalillness.

Asignificantamountoflivestocktransportresearchhasbeendirectedatjourneytimes,andtheeffectonanimalwelfare.Therequirementforlimitstojourneytimesandforhighervehiclespecificationforlongjourneysisanattempttoprovidesomegeneralrulestothedifficultbalancingofanimalrequirements,weatherconditions,andanimalphysiology.Goodplanningistheessenceofminimisingstress,andthecurrentlegislationprovidesgeneralguidanceonthemajorissues.

Journeytimesstartwhenthefirstanimalisloadedontothevehicle,andfinishwhenthelastanimalisunloaded.Itisgoodpracticetokeeploadingandunloadingtimestoaminimumasitreducesthestressonalltheanimalsonaload.Goodco-operationandgoodcoordinationareprofessionalstandardsthatbenefitthequalityandwelfareofthelivestock.Wherestandardsslip,communicateyourconcernstoothers,ifonlytotheoffice.

Marketsareseldomthebeginningofajourneyforlivestock.Forthepurposesofestimatingjourneytimes,amarketwhichhasbeenapprovedbyCommunityveterinarylegislationcanbeconsideredaplaceofdepartureif:1.theanimalshavearrivedatthemarketafterajourneyoflessthan100kms(62miles)or2.theanimalshavebeenbeddedandwateredatthemarketforatleast6hours

Contingency plansThetransportermustknowwhatactiontotakeifanemergencyarisesduringajourney.Asuggestedplanwouldinclude:

•Contactwiththehomebase•Contactwiththedestination•Phonenumbertoaveterinarypractice•Phonenumberforbreakdownservices•Phonenumberfortyreservices

Journey planning...

1013

The regulations are the same as those applied previously under the Welfare of Animals(Transport)Order1997,exceptfornewstandardsforyounganimals.

Livestockmustnotbetransportedformorethan8hoursunlessadditionalrequirementsforvehiclesaremet.

Vehiclesusedforlongjourneysover8hoursmusthave:1.Avalidvehicleapprovalcertificate2.Adequatefeedandwatercarriedonthevehicle3.Watertanks’totalcapacityshallbeatleast1.5%ofmaximumpayload4.Watertanksmustbedesignedtobedrainedandcleanedandwaterlevelchecked

Pigsonjourneysover8hoursmustbecarriedinvehiclesthathavetheabilitytoprovidewateratappropriateintervals.

TherearederogationsintheUKthatpermit8to12hourjourneystobeundertakeninvehicleswiththestandardsabove.Thereareadditionalstandardsforlongjourneysthatcurrentlyapplytojourneysofmorethan12hours

Maximumjourneytimes:

Pigs 24hours.Watermustbeofferedat appropriateintervals,withadequate timetodrink.

Cattle,sheepandgoats After14hourstheremustbearest periodofatleast1hour,withaccess towater,andfeedifnecessary. Thereafter they may be transported forafurther14hours.

Unweanedcalves,lambs,kidsandpiglets After9hourstheremustbearest periodofatleast1hour,andliquid provided.Feedshouldbegivenif necessary.Thereaftertheymay transportedforafurther9hours

Ifanimalshavenotreachedtheirdestinationafterthesejourneytimestheymustbeunloaded,fedandwatered,andrestedinanapprovedEUcontrolpostfor24hours. Thejourneytimesabovemaybeextendedbyamaximumoftwohoursintheinterestofanimalwelfare,ifthedestinationcanbereached.

Notethattimespentonavehiclewhilstonaferrycountstowardsjourneytime.However,timespentinpensonaferryofunloadedlivestockdoesnotcounttowardsjourneytime

From1stMay(2006)ALLdrivers(whetherdrivinganalogueordigitaltachographfittedvehicles)mustbeabletoproduce,onrequestattheroadside,alltheirdriverrecordsforthecurrentweekandanyrecordscompletedduringtheprevious15days.Furthermore,ifthedriverhasbeenissuedwithadriversmartcarditMUSTbeabletobeproducedaswell.Soifadriverhasbeenissuedwithadrivercard,evenifitisnotbeingused,itmustbekeptwiththedriveratalltimes.

ECDrivers’hours~cameintoeffectfrom11thApril2007 Dailydrivingtimes 9hoursmaximumdrivingtimebetweentwodailydrivingperiods, althoughthiscanbeincreasedto10hourstwiceperweek.

Weeklydriving 56hoursmaximum

Fortnightlydriving Maximumaccumulateddrivingtimeinanytwoweeksis90hours

Breaktimes 45minutesbreakmustbetakenduringorimmediatelyafter4.5 hoursofcontinuousdriving.Thiscanbesplitandtakenasa minimumperiodof15minuteswithinthe4.5hourswithasecond periodofatleast30minutes.

Daily rest Regular daily rest remains as any period of uninterrupted rest of atleast11hours.However,thisdailyperiodmaybereducedto 9hours,limitedtoamaximumof3timesbetweentwoweekly restperiods.Splitrestcanonlybetakenintwoperiodsofat least3hoursandatleast9hoursrespectively. Weeklyrest Inanytwoweekstheremustbetworegularrestsof45hours, oroneregularrestandonereducedrestofatleast24hours. Compensationforareducedweeklyrestmustbemadeupby theendofthe3rdweekfollowing,addedtoaminimumof9 hoursrest.

Journey times - feed & water... Drivers hours...

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The regulations are the same as those applied previously under the Welfare of Animals(Transport)Order1997,exceptfornewstandardsforyounganimals.

Livestockmustnotbetransportedformorethan8hoursunlessadditionalrequirementsforvehiclesaremet.

Vehiclesusedforlongjourneysover8hoursmusthave:1.Avalidvehicleapprovalcertificate2.Adequatefeedandwatercarriedonthevehicle3.Watertanks’totalcapacityshallbeatleast1.5%ofmaximumpayload4.Watertanksmustbedesignedtobedrainedandcleanedandwaterlevelchecked

Pigsonjourneysover8hoursmustbecarriedinvehiclesthathavetheabilitytoprovidewateratappropriateintervals.

TherearederogationsintheUKthatpermit8to12hourjourneystobeundertakeninvehicleswiththestandardsabove.Thereareadditionalstandardsforlongjourneysthatcurrentlyapplytojourneysofmorethan12hours

Maximumjourneytimes:

Pigs 24hours.Watermustbeofferedat appropriateintervals,withadequate timetodrink.

Cattle,sheepandgoats After14hourstheremustbearest periodofatleast1hour,withaccess towater,andfeedifnecessary. Thereafter they may be transported forafurther14hours.

Unweanedcalves,lambs,kidsandpiglets After9hourstheremustbearest periodofatleast1hour,andliquid provided.Feedshouldbegivenif necessary.Thereaftertheymay transportedforafurther9hours

Ifanimalshavenotreachedtheirdestinationafterthesejourneytimestheymustbeunloaded,fedandwatered,andrestedinanapprovedEUcontrolpostfor24hours. Thejourneytimesabovemaybeextendedbyamaximumoftwohoursintheinterestofanimalwelfare,ifthedestinationcanbereached.

Notethattimespentonavehiclewhilstonaferrycountstowardsjourneytime.However,timespentinpensonaferryofunloadedlivestockdoesnotcounttowardsjourneytime

From1stMay(2006)ALLdrivers(whetherdrivinganalogueordigitaltachographfittedvehicles)mustbeabletoproduce,onrequestattheroadside,alltheirdriverrecordsforthecurrentweekandanyrecordscompletedduringtheprevious15days.Furthermore,ifthedriverhasbeenissuedwithadriversmartcarditMUSTbeabletobeproducedaswell.Soifadriverhasbeenissuedwithadrivercard,evenifitisnotbeingused,itmustbekeptwiththedriveratalltimes.

ECDrivers’hours~cameintoeffectfrom11thApril2007 Dailydrivingtimes 9hoursmaximumdrivingtimebetweentwodailydrivingperiods, althoughthiscanbeincreasedto10hourstwiceperweek.

Weeklydriving 56hoursmaximum

Fortnightlydriving Maximumaccumulateddrivingtimeinanytwoweeksis90hours

Breaktimes 45minutesbreakmustbetakenduringorimmediatelyafter4.5 hoursofcontinuousdriving.Thiscanbesplitandtakenasa minimumperiodof15minuteswithinthe4.5hourswithasecond periodofatleast30minutes.

Daily rest Regular daily rest remains as any period of uninterrupted rest of atleast11hours.However,thisdailyperiodmaybereducedto 9hours,limitedtoamaximumof3timesbetweentwoweekly restperiods.Splitrestcanonlybetakenintwoperiodsofat least3hoursandatleast9hoursrespectively. Weeklyrest Inanytwoweekstheremustbetworegularrestsof45hours, oroneregularrestandonereducedrestofatleast24hours. Compensationforareducedweeklyrestmustbemadeupby theendofthe3rdweekfollowing,addedtoaminimumof9 hoursrest.

Journey times - feed & water... Drivers hours...

11 12

The transport of animals is one part of a chain of events that can impact on animal welfare,andthereisanexpectationthatanyjourneyisplannedtomeettherequirementsofthespecificanimalstransported,theexpectedweatherandjourneyconditions.Thejourneymustconsiderthepreviousexperience,theage,andthephysiologicalstateoftheanimals.Thejourneyplanmustalsoincludesuitableinformationforthedriversothathecandealwithlow-riskbutpredictableeventssuchasdelays,extremesofweatherconditions,andanimalillness.

Asignificantamountoflivestocktransportresearchhasbeendirectedatjourneytimes,andtheeffectonanimalwelfare.Therequirementforlimitstojourneytimesandforhighervehiclespecificationforlongjourneysisanattempttoprovidesomegeneralrulestothedifficultbalancingofanimalrequirements,weatherconditions,andanimalphysiology.Goodplanningistheessenceofminimisingstress,andthecurrentlegislationprovidesgeneralguidanceonthemajorissues.

Journeytimesstartwhenthefirstanimalisloadedontothevehicle,andfinishwhenthelastanimalisunloaded.Itisgoodpracticetokeeploadingandunloadingtimestoaminimumasitreducesthestressonalltheanimalsonaload.Goodco-operationandgoodcoordinationareprofessionalstandardsthatbenefitthequalityandwelfareofthelivestock.Wherestandardsslip,communicateyourconcernstoothers,ifonlytotheoffice.

Marketsareseldomthebeginningofajourneyforlivestock.Forthepurposesofestimatingjourneytimes,amarketwhichhasbeenapprovedbyCommunityveterinarylegislationcanbeconsideredaplaceofdepartureif:1.theanimalshavearrivedatthemarketafterajourneyoflessthan100kms(62miles)or2.theanimalshavebeenbeddedandwateredatthemarketforatleast6hours

Contingency plansThetransportermustknowwhatactiontotakeifanemergencyarisesduringajourney.Asuggestedplanwouldinclude:

•Contactwiththehomebase•Contactwiththedestination•Phonenumbertoaveterinarypractice•Phonenumberforbreakdownservices•Phonenumberfortyreservices

Journey planning...

1013

A steady supply of fresh air to all livestock on a vehicle is essential to support normal health, and to remove the excess moisture and heat that comes from the animals’bodies.Thereisalwaysarequirementforaminimumventilationratewhatevertheweatheroranimalconditions.

The challenge for the transport sector is to provide adequateventilationwhenavehicleisstationary,andalsowhendrivingat56mphonacoldmorning.Thefirstprincipleistounderstandthetemperaturerequirementsofthelivestockonboardanyparticularjourney,andtoprovideadequateopeningsonthevehicletomeetthoserequirementsundertheprevalentweatherconditions.

Generally,hightemperaturesareonlypotentiallyaproblemintheUKwhenvehiclesarestationary,orslow-movinginhotweather.Theriskcomesfromthebuildupofbodyheatfromtheanimalswithinthetrailer,fromheatthatisnormallyremovedbythepassageofairwhenthevehicleismoving.Ifavehicleisstoppedforaperiod,orinslow-movingtrafficinwarmweather,ensureallventflapsareopen.Ifthereareoptions,inwarmweatheralways:•Parkintheshade•Parkacrossanywindorbreeze

Typicalvaluesforheatproductionare:

Species Liveweight(kg) Heat(Watts)Cattle 500 500Calves 70 100Pigs 100 200Sheep 40 75

Fromthevaluesaboveitcanbeestimatedthatafullyloadedtripledeckerofpigshasaninternalheatproductionof36000watts,or36KW.Ifthisheatisnotabletoleavethevehicle,thetemperaturewillriserapidly.Hencetheneedtomaintainairflowthroughoutthevehicletopreventhightemperaturesthatwouldrapidlystresstheanimals.

Persistentcoldtemperatureswillstresslivestock,withtheimpactbuildingovertime.Younganimalsarelessabletowithstandcoldstressthanolderones,asareanimalsthathavenoteatenforawhile,orwhicharephysiologicallystressed.

Undernormaltransportconditionsmoreairentersthevehiclebodytowardstherearthanthefront.Thismeansthat,undercoldweatherconditions,therewillbeahigherriskofcoldstressattherearofthevehicle.Conversely,underhotweatherconditionstherewillbeahigherriskofheatstressatthefrontofthevehicle,behindthebulkhead.

Vehiclesusedfortransportonjourneysofmorethan12hoursintheUKmustbefittedwithaventilationsystemcapableofdistributinganevenairflowthroughoutthevehicle.Thecapacityofthesystemmustbeatleast60m3/hour/KNofpayload,andofoperatingforatleast4hoursindependentofthevehicleengine.

Stocking density & segregation... Ventilation...

Scientificresearchhasshownthatspacecanbecriticalfactorintheproductionofstressinanimals.However,theresultsareconfusedbyenvironmentalfactors,andavehicleshouldalwaysbeloadedwithconsiderationof:•Thepreviousexperienceoftheanimals•Theweather,andinparticulartheoutsidetemperatures•Thedurationofthejourney•Theleveloffitnessoftheanimals(seepage6).

Theavailablespaceinavehicleincludesthespaceatheadlevel.Thereisaneedtoallowadequatespaceatheadleveltoprovidefreshairtoallanimalsandtofacilitateremovalofex-cessbodyheat.Becarefulwiththestockingdensityatthefrontofanartictrailer/swanneck,wheretheheadheightcanbelessthantherestofthevehicle.

Spaceallowancesshouldatleastconformtothefollowingfigures:

Cattle

Category Approximate Area Approximateno.per weight(kgs) (m2peranimal) 8ft4”x10ftpen

Smallcalves 50 0.30to0.40 19to25Mediumsizedcalves 110 0.40to0.70 11to19Heavycalves 200 0.70to0.95 8to11Mediumsizedcattle 325 0.95to1.30 6to8Heavycattle 550 1.30to1.60 5to6Veryheavycattle >700 >1.60 ≤5

Sheep

Category Weight Area Approximateno.per (kgs) (m2peranimal) 8ft4”x10ftpen

Shornsheepandlambs <55 0.20to0.30 25to37of26kgsandover >55 >0.30≤25Unshornsheep <55 0.30to0.40 19to25 >55 >0.40 ≤19Heavilypregnantewes <55 0.40to0.50 15to19 >55 >0.50 ≤15

PigsAllpigsmustbeabletostandupandliedownintheirnaturalposition.Stockingdensityofpigsaround100kgshouldnotexceed235kg/m2.Thisisequivalenttoap-proximately0.42m2/animal,or18finishingpigsinan8ftx10ftstandardpen.

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Hygiene...The good name and survival of livestock production in theUKtoasignificantextentreliesonmaintaininggoodhealthstandardsinourlivestock.Transport,andthestandardsofhygieneintransport,playsamajorroleinmaintainingstandards.Therearetworeasonsforthis:

1.Movementoflivestock,andtheirby-productssuch as faeces, urine and organic matter, can facilitate the transmission of disease around the country2.Transportasasourceofstresscaninfluencethe amount of disease organisms that an individual animalcanshedfromitsbody–ifithasdisease,it willspreadmorebugswhenitisstressed.

Therearemanylinksinthechainofeventsthatcausespreadofdisease.Generally,livestockvehiclesarenottheweakestlinkinthechain,andstandardsofcleanlinessonlivestockvehiclesareagoodindicatorofthehardworkthatgoesintokeepingthetransportfleetclean.However,itis appreciated that the infrastructure for getting vehicles clean as soon as they are unloaded is not alwaysperfect,anditisanessentialelementofplanningthatthedriverisalwaysknowledgeableaboutwherethevehiclecanbecleanedbeforethenextpick-up.

Thereisalegalrequirementtopreventfaecesandurinefromleakingfromavehicle.Slurryontheroad not only represents an uncontrolled risk of spreading disease, but carries the risk of alienating thepublictoourindustry.Muckonthestreetsisnotagoodpublicityimage.

All vehicles must be cleaned and disinfected after every transport of animals and if necessary before anynewloadingofanimals.Thisruledoesnotapplywhentransportinganimalsrepeatedlyfromthesamesourcetothesamedestination(althoughitmaybesensiblebiosecuritytowashthevehicleanyway…).Asageneralrule,ifyoucanseedirt,itmaycontaindisease.

‘Vehiclesmustbedesigned,constructedandmaintainedsoastoavoidinjuryorsufferingandensurethesafetyofanimals’

ThestandardoflivestockvehiclesoperatinginScotlandhasincreasedsignificantlysincetheintroductionoftheWATOregulationsin1997.Benefitshaveaccruedtothewelfareoflivestock,productquality,workingconditionsandaboveall,theimageoftheindustry.

Vehiclebodiesmust:•Becleanandkepteasytoclean•Robustandpreventescape•Protectfrombadweatherandextremetemperatures•Provideadequateventilation•Floorsmustbenon-slip•Adequatelightingmustbeavailabletoloadandunloadsafely•Lightingmustbeavailableforinspectionofalllivestockonthevehicle•Havesuitableopenings(andfootholds)topermitinspectionfromoutside

Spotlightsattherearofthevehiclewillaidloadingandunloading,andbulkheadlightswithinthevehiclewillimprovetheefficiencyofloading.Atorchwillprovideaminimumstandardoflightingforinspectionofstockwithinthevehicle,butmustbeadequateforthetask.

Anyvehiclesusedonjourneysover8hoursmustbeinspectedbyanindependentauthorisedbody,andcarryavalidvehicleapprovalcertificate.Inspectionwillcoverallthestandardvehiclerequirements,plustherequirementsforlongjourneyswhichinclude:•water/feedequipment•indicationofliveanimalsbeingtransported(alabelonoutsideofcontainer)Vehiclebodiesthatarecertifiedforlongjourneysmustcarryanexternalplatethatidentifiestheuniquenumberissuedbythecertifyingbody,andthedateofissue.

Allnewvehicles(from1stJanuary2007)forjourneysover12hourswithintheUKoroutsidetheUKmustcarryequipmentthat:•recordsdetailsofthejourneyassetoutinthejourneylog•recordstheopeningandclosingofthetailgateThiswillbearequirementforallover12hourjourneyvehiclesfrom1stJanuary2009.

Vehicle construction & use...

815

A casualty animal may be transported to the nearest available place for treatment orslaughteriftransportwouldnotcause

additionalsuffering.

•Incasesofdoubt,veterinaryadviceshallbesought•Ifananimalshouldfallillorbeinjuredduringtransporttheyshallbeseparatedfromthe othersandreceivefirstaidtreatmentassoonaspossible.Getappropriateveterinarysupport immediately.•Sedativesshallnotbeusedunlessstrictlynecessary,andonlyusedunderveterinary supervision

Animals may be transported under veterinary supervision only if no unnecessary suffering iscaused.Thisrequirementfor‘nounnecessarysuffering’isobviouslyopentoindividualinterpretationandsometimesdisagreement.Followalltheguidanceandbepreparedtoseekadviceincasesofdoubt.Wedoneedtoworktogetheronthisissueandthismayrequireanincreaseinopendiscussionbyeveryoneinvolvedindifficultcases.

Casualtyanimalsmustbeaccompaniedbytherelevantdeclaration.Arrangementsshouldbemadewherenecessarytonotifytheprocessoroftheanimal’sconditionandtoensureappropriatefacilitiesareavailable.Donotacceptanimalsthatarenotaccompaniedwiththerelevantpaperwork.

Animalsthatareslightlyillorinjuredmayonlybetransportedunderverylimitedcircumstances,andonlyifitdoesnotcauseanyunnecessarysufferingorilltreatment:

•Transporttoaveterinarysurgeryfordiagnosisortreatment•Directfromfarmtothenearestavailableslaughterhouse•Lameanimals;pennedsinglywithspacetoliedownandwithadequatebedding

Thedrivermustknowwhatactiontotakeifanemergencyarisesduringajourney.Asuggestedplanwouldincludehavingcontactnumberstoaveterinarypracticeoranotherformofanimalhealthadvice(seepage13).

Casualty animals...

7 16

“Noanimalshallbetransportedunlessitisfitfortheintendedjourney,andallanimalsshallbetransportedinconditionsguaranteednottocausetheminjuryorunnecessarysuffering”.Animalsmustbeabletowalkfreelyonallfourfeetwithoutpainorassistance.

Ananimalmustbefitfortheintendedjourney,andmustremainsufficientlyfitthroughoutthejourney.Thisapparentlysimpletargetcanbeproblematicinpractice;howcanitbepossibletoseeeveryanimalunderthesometimesdifficultworkingconditionsencountered?Theaimmustbetoprovidetheconditionsthatallowadrivertoadequatelyinspectlivestockatloading,andtoprovideaworkingattitudethatdoesnotpressurisetheindividualintocarryingunfitstock.

Theresponsibilityforassessmentoffitnesstotravellieswithanumberofpeopledependingonthesituation.Inallcaseshowever,thefinaldecisionandresponsibilityonwhethertotransportananimalrestswiththedriverofthevehicle(orthekeeperoftheanimaliftheyaregoingtoaccompanytheanimal).Donotacceptunfitstock.Ifindoubtorwherefitnessisdisputed,obtaintheprofessionalopinionofaveterinarysurgeon.

Ananimalshallnotbeconsideredfitforitsintendedjourneyifitisill,injured,infirmorfatigued,unlesstheintendedjourneyisnotlikelytocauseitunnecessarysuffering.Seethefollowingsectiononcasualtyanimalsfordetail(page7).

Animalsarealsoconsiderednotfitfortransportif:•Theyareunabletomovewithoutpainorassistance•Theypresentasevereopenwoundorprolapse•Theyarepregnantfemales90%ormoreintotheexpectedgestationperiod•Theyhavegivenbirthduringtheprecedingweek•Theyarenewlybornanimalsinwhichthenavelhasnotbeencompletelyhealed

Newrequirementsareinplaceforspecificyounganimals:•Lambsoflessthanoneweek;•Calvesoflessthan10days;•Pigletsoflessthanthreeweeks;canonlybetransportedforamaximumof100km(62miles).

Beddingrequirementsforyounganimals.Beddingprovidesinsulation,andisconsideredvitalforyoungstockthatarenaturallymoresusceptibletocoldtemperatures.Beddingisarequirementfor:•Pigletslessthan10kgs•Lambslessthan20kgs•Calveslessthan6monthsInaddition,allpigsunder30kgmustbeprovidedwithbeddingon8-12hourjourneys.Beddingalsohasaroleinmaintaininghygiene;itisillegaltoallowfaecesorurinetoleakfromavehicle.

Lactating female cattle or sheep not accompanied by their offspring must be milked at intervalsofnotmorethan12hours.

Thereisagoodrelationshipbetweendriverskill,theamountofstressonlivestock,andalsotheprofitabilityofthetransportbusiness.Smooth,consistentdrivinghabitsallowtheanimalstorelaxmoreduringajourneythanhard,erraticdriving.Scientificstudyhasshownthatnotonlydoesaharddrivingstyleincreasemeasurablestressontheanimalstransported,butalsosignificantlydecreasesmeatquality.

Ithasbeenestimatedthatthereisadifferenceof20%infuelefficiencybetweendrivingonaflatroadatunevenspeedsofupto100km/hcomparedwithauniform,cruisecontrolledsafespeedof80km/h.Ifyouencounteraslowerdriveronaroadwithnopassingopportunities,sitbackandtakeasteadypaceratherthanhustlingasituationyoudonotcontrol.

BrakingSmoothbrakinghelpstokeepanimalsontheirfeetwithminimumofeffort.•Hardbreaking=morestress•Morestress=badwelfare•Badwelfare=poormeatquality

TheprinciplesofroadholdingofanHGVandtheabilityofananimaltobesure-footedarethesame.However,thedriverhascompletecontroloverthevehicle,butonlypartialcontrolovertheanimal.Compensateforthispartiallackofcontrolbyapplyingknowledgeofhowananimalwillbehaveundercertainconditions.

The animal you transport probably has more pressure on its feet than the load on the vehicletyres,andtheywillbeworkinghardtostayontheirfeet.Themoreefforttheyarerequiredtomake,thegreaterthestresstheywillbeunder.Foraloadedlivestockvehiclewith18wheels,theforcesincontactwiththegroundare;•Theloadonthetyresis4.7kgpersquarecentimetreonthetyres•A600kgcowhasfourfeetincontactwiththeground•Theloadonthecow’sfeetis12kgpersquarecentimetreKnowthestresses,handlewithcare.

TyresTheprogressivesideofthetransportsectoriswellawareofthevalueofcorrecttyrepressures.Allthepointsarecompletelyrelevanttothesmoothtransportofanimalsandminimising stress•Avoidunnecessaryharshbreaking•Trytouseaconstantthrottle•Checkthebrakesandbrakingsytemsareproperlyadjusted•Checkthattyresarecorrectlyinflatedandhavesufficientdepthoftread•Usetheenginebreakorretarderiffitted•Gettheownertofitautomaticanti-lockbreaking

Recognisethedifficultconditionsthatyouworkunder.Thereareveryfewdriversontheroadthatrequiremoreskillsthanthelivestocktransporter.Youhavealiveload,avehiclewithahighcentreofgravity,andaloadthatisnottieddown.Althoughtherearetighttimeschedules to keep, it is better to phone ahead if you encounter problems on the road than it istoriskputtingpressureonthelivestock,thevehicle,andyourself.

Driving safely... Fitness to travel...

617

Whentransportinglivestockthedriveristhemostimportantcomponentoftheoperation.Health and safety is not something to take for granted, and there are many aspects of livestockhaulagethatrepresentarisktohealthandsafety.Handlinglivestockatloadingandunloadingalwaysinvolvesrisk,andcareisalwaysneededtoprotectthedriver.Thereductioninstaffinglevelsonfarmsincreasestheprobabilityofloneworking,andloadinglivestockwithinadequatenumbersofpeopleisariskybusiness.Ifindoubt,seekhelp.Calltheoffice.

Professionaldrivingcarriesinherentrisks.AlthoughHGVdrivershaveagoodstatuswithinsurancecompanies,reflectingthecompetenceinvolved,therearestillstrainsthatshouldbeacknowledged.Iftirednessdoesnotactuallykill,itdefinitelyincreasestheriskofaccidentsoccurring.Sittingforhoursatatime,dayin,dayout,ishardonpostureandcanleadtobackproblems.Attentiontoeyesightisessential.

Gettingoutofavehicleisnottheendoftherisks.Workingintheconfinedspacesofmarkets,farms, and processors carries risks from being hit by other vehicles, so stay alert and make surethatyouareseenbyothers.Ifindoubt,seeksupportfromthosearoundyou.

Slipsandtripsareamongthemostcommonreasonsforaccidentstopeople.Workingwithlivestock,withtheirindependentmanner,inconditionsthatcanbeslipperyandsometimesinpoorlighting,isdangerous.

PersonalhygieneThereareanumberofzoonoticdiseaseswhichcanbetransmittedfromanimalstoman.Asalivestockhaulier,youwillnotalwaysknowwhatdiseaserisksarepresent.However,therearesimple actions that can be taken to reduce the risks, and the easiest is to keep up personal hygienestandards.Keepinghandscleanwillalwaysreducerisksofcontractingdisease,anditissensibletoalwayswashhands(oruseacleanhandwipe)beforeeating,drinkingorsmoking.

Thelivestockindustryneedsyou,solookafteryourself.

‘loading and unloading facilities must be designed, constructed and maintainedsoastoavoidinjuryorsufferingandensurethesafetyofanimals’

Loadingandunloadingareoftenthemoststressfulpartofthejourneyforlivestock.Unfamiliarsurroundings,physicaleffort,mixingwithother animals and the presence of stockpeople can all be accumulative stresses.

Theaimistominimisetheimpactonthestockinyourcare,andthiscanbeachievedby:

•Goodpreparation-clean,non-slipfloors,noobstructions•Goodcommunication-whodoeswhat,where,andwhen•Goodknowledge-howmanystock,ofwhattype•Goodequipment-suitableandwell-maintained

Ramp rulesClimbingaloadingramprequireseffortforallanimals.Forsomeanimalsthatarenotusedtowalkingonslopes,orwhichareunfitinanyway,climbingrampsisamajorstressor.Thesteepertheramp;thegreaterthestress.Thetargetistogettheanimalsupanyrampwiththeminimumofstress,whichmeansadequatepreparation,non-slipsurfaces,keepinganimalsinagroup,andmovingforward.

Therearenewrulesrelevanttorampanglesonvehicles.

•Forpigsandcalves–maximumrampangleis20o

•Forsheepandcattle–maximumrampangleis26o

Atoleranceof+/-5oonrampanglesmaybeallowed.Footbattensmustbepresentwheretheslopeismorethan10o.Astepofnomorethan21cm(8inches)ispermittedatthetopandbottomofaramp.

•Arampangleof20oisequivalenttoariseof4overadistanceof11•Arampangleof26oisequivalenttoariseof4overadistanceof8

Vehiclesbuiltandinusebefore5thJanuary2007thatcompliedwiththepreviousWATOregulationsmaycontinuetobeuseduntil4thJanuary2012ifitisimpracticaloruneconomictoupgradethem.Allnewvehiclesmustcomplywiththenewrules.

Loading, operating and driving safelyefficiently & effectively... Health and safety...

5 18

Thebestwaytomoveanimalsistounderstandtheirnaturalbehaviour,andtoworkwiththatbehaviour.Animalstendto move better in familiar groups, at a steady speed to encourageforwardvision,andwithoutdistractions.Animalsmovebettertowardslightthantowardsdarkareas.

•Passagewaysshouldbeclear•Passagewaysshouldberobustandfreefrominjurious surfaces•Instrumentssuchassticksmayonlybeusedfor guidance

Donotbereluctanttotakechargeofhandlingifthesituationrequiresit.Askpeopletomoveifneeded,ortoassistifpractical.Yourknowledgeandexperiencemaybesubstantial–havetheconfidencetouseit.

Forcattleandsheep,useyourvoice,flags,andastickasanextensionofthearm.Forpigs,useyourvoice,sacks,andpigboards.

PersuasionItisforbiddento:

•Strikeorkickananimal,orcausepain•Useapointedstickofanykind•Useanalkathenepipeoranysticktostrikeananimal•Liftordraginanywaythatmaycausepainorsuffering•Suspendananimalbymechanicalmeans•Tieananimalbyitshornsoranosering,ortieitslegs

Whereanimalsneedtobetiedtheropesused,tethersorothermeansusedshall:

a)Bestrongenoughnottobreakb)Allowtheanimal,ifnecessary,toliedown,andtoeatordrinkc)Notgiveriskofstrangulationorinjuryd)Allowanimalstobequicklyreleased

Onoccasion,ananimalmayneedtobepersuadedtomovewhenitwishestostayput.Yourbestmeansofmovingananimalistounderstanditsbehaviour.Ifstrongpersuasionisrequiredtheapplicationofaprodinasensiblemannerisonlypermittedunderthefollowingconditionsandrules:

•Electronicgoadsshouldbeavoidedasfaraspossible•Electronicgoadsmayonlybeused,ifatall,onadultcattleoradultpigsthatrefusetomove•Electronicgoadsmayonlybeusedwhentheanimalhasaclearroutetofollow•Electronicshocksmayonlybeappliedforamaximumofonesecond,andonlytothe hindquartermuscles•Electronicshockmaynotbeusedrepeatedlyiftheanimalfailstorespond

Poorhandlingcanresultinloweredmeatquality,aswellasbruising,injury,anincreaseintheseverityofanydiseasecarried,hyperthermiaorsuddendeath.Goodqualityhandlingisanabsoluterequirementforgoodqualitystock.

Responsibilityforanimalwelfareduringallstagesofajourneyislogical.Theownerofthelivestockhasaresponsibilitytoensurethatthejourneyandanycontractorsaresuitable,whilstthetransporterhastheimmediateresponsibilitytoensurestandardsaremetduringthejourney,andthattheanimalsareleftinadequatecare.

Donotacceptresponsibilityforanimalsorconditionsthatyouknowarenotsuitable.Ifindoubt,phonetheoffice,theowner,thevet,orothercontactsuchasamarketinggroup.Itisgoodpracticetoalwayshaveacontactforguidance,andmaysaveyougrieflater.

Legislation... Appropriate methods of handling...

419

SeparationItisbothnaturalandsensibletokeepanimalsinfamiliargroups.Therewillbeoccasionswhenthequestionofseparationarises,andthelawisquiteclearonwhatmustbehandledandtransportedseparately:

Animalstobekeptseparate:

a.Animalsofdifferentspeciesb.Animalsofsignificantlydifferentsizesandagec.Adultbreedingboarsd.Animalswithhornsfromanimalswithouthornse.Sexuallymaturemalesfromfemalesf.Animalshostiletoeachotherg.Tiedanimalsfromuntiedanimals

Exemptions:

1.Femalesaccompaniedbydependantyoung,2.Animalsingroups(a),(b),(c)and(d)abovethathavebeenraisedtogethermaybetransportedtogether.

Thephysiologicalstateofananimalcaninfluenceitsabilitytowithstandtheeffectsofstress.Younganimalsnotonlyhavelessexperienceofthewiderenvironment,buthavelowerreservesofenergy,alowerthresholdofresistancetoextremesoftemperature,andoftenalowerresistancetoanydiseaseorganismspresentcomparedtoolderanimals.Adultfemaleanimalsmaybepregnant,andshouldbehandledwithgreatcare.

Carefulhandlingwillminimiseadditionalstressonanimals.Identifyingparticularlynervousanimals is good practice, and care should be taken to keep such animals as part of their peer group.Animalsontheirownaremorelikelytobecomestressedthanthosekeptaspartofafamiliargroup.

Youcanuseyourownstresslevelsasanindicatorofwhatisimpactingonthestockinyourcare.Iftheloading,drivingorunloadingiswindingyouup,youcanbesurethatyourbehaviourwillbeimpactingnegativelyonthestockinyourcare.Staycool,andhelpdeliverthequalitylivestockthatweneed.

RememberthatanAnimalTransportCertificate(ATC)isrequiredonalljourneysexceptforfarmerstransportingtheiranimalsonjourneysupto50km,oraspartofseasonaltranshumance.DeliverynotesorAnimalMovementDocumentsmaybeusedifpreferred.ATCsmustbekeptfor3years. ATCsmuststate:

•Nameandaddressofthetransporter•Animaloriginandownership•Theirplaceofdeparture•Thedateandtimeofdeparture•Theirintendedplaceofdestination•Theexpecteddurationoftheintendedjourney•Thedateandtimeofunloadingatthedestination(usefulbutnotmandatory)

Authorisation Anyonetransportinganimalsonjourneysofover65kmmustholdavalidtransportauthorisation.Authorisationsareforshortjourneys(over65kmanduptoeighthours),orforlongjourneys(alljourneys,includingovereighthours).AuthorisationsareissuedbyAnimalHealth(formerlytheStateVeterinaryService)andarevalidfor5years.Theauthorisationreferstothebusiness,nottotheindividualdriversofvehicles.

Youmustalwayscarryyourauthorisationcertificate,oraphotocopyofit,whentransportinganimals.

Certificatesofcompetencemustbecarriedatalltimesonrelevantjourneysandmadeavailabletoenforcementofficers.

LongjourneyauthorisationsVehiclesusedfortransportonjourneysover8hoursmusthaveavalidvehicleapprovalcertificate,andacopymustbecarriedonallrelevantjourneys.Theremustalsobeasystemwherebythejourneyover12hourscanbetracedandrecorded.Thisrequirementcanbemetbyensuringmobilephonecontactwiththedriverandfullyfunctioningtachographs.

Contingencyplansaregoodpracticeforalljourneys,andthereisalegalrequirementforthesetobewrittendownforlongjourneys.Inpracticemostoperatorshaveasystemfordealingwithbreakdowns,sickanimals,andpoorweatherorroadconditions.Ifindoubt,phonetheoffice.

Listyourcontactseg:

•Office/home•Lairage/markets/destinations•QAsupportline•Veterinarycontact/Defra/TradingStandards•Garage/mechanic•Tyres(24hoursupport)•Vehiclehelplines

Causes of stress & appropriate action to take... Paperwork...

3 20

Aknowledgeofhowanimalsarelikelytobehave is an essential ingredient of successful livestockhaulage,andisnowarequirementunderlaw.Formostoperativesthisknowledgeisalreadypresent,andthenotesbelowarepurelyintendedasareminder.However,itisnotreasonabletoexpectnewentrantstotheindustrytohavethesameknowledgeasexperienced staff, and there is an obligation on thesectortomakesurethatdriversarewellinformed.

Thewayinwhichanimalsreacttotransportwillinfluencethedegreeofstressthatthetransportimpactsonthem.Therearemanyaspectstobeconsidered,including:

•Previousexposuretohandling•Previousexposuretomixingwithotheranimals•Previousphysicalexertion•Previousexposuretotheelements(hot,cold,wind,daylight,noise)•Thephysiologicalstateoftheanimal(seenextpage).

Mostdriversonregularhaulageoflivestockwillrecognisethatanimalsfromdifferentfarmscanactindifferentways,beingmoreorlesseasytohandle.Thisisaresultofdifferentgenetics, different breeding practices, different systems of management, and different levelsofstockmanship.Thegeneticsandpreviousexperienceofananimalwillinfluencehowtheyreacttothenovelsituationoftransport.Agooddriverwillacknowledgethesedifferencesandactaccordingly.

Itisessentialtorecognisetheacutesensesofanimals,andhowtheyreactdifferentlyfromustothenewexperienceofbeingcollectedtogether,loadedandtransported.Akeydifference is their ability to see, as many animals have restricted vision due to having their eyesoneithersideofthehead.Wecanusetheirrestrictedabilitytoseetoinfluencewheretheywilllook,andthereforewhereweshouldstandtoinfluencetheirbehaviour.

Allanimalshaveaspacearoundthemtermedthe‘flightzone’.Askilledhandlerwillapproachananimaluptotheedgeoftheflightzoneinordertoencouragetheanimaltomove.Iftheflightzoneisencroached,theanimalwillpanicandtrytoflee.Thesizeoftheflightzoneisaffectedbyanumberoffactorsincludingage,experienceandbreed.Askilledstockpersonisabletojudgethesizeoftheflightzoneforananimalorgroupofanimalsandactaccordingly.

Cattle can be moved more effectively if the handler positions themselves at an angle to the groupratherthandirectlybehind.Forsheep,toomuchencouragementfromthesideofthegroupmaycausethemtochangedirection.Ifyougettooclosetheywillbunchandattempttorunbackpastyou.Gaincontrolbyusingtheflightzone.

‘authoritiestoinspectanimals,documentationandvehicles’.

ResponsibilityforcheckingcompliancewiththeregulationslieswiththeLocalAuthoritiesandincludescheckingthevehicle,thelivestockandthepaperwork.Theymaygiveadviceandverbalwarnings,andtheirpositionmustberespected.Theymayalsoissuenoticeundertheregulationsthatrequirethetransporterto:

•Nottransportaparticulargroupofanimals•Fulfilspecialconditionsfortransport•Completeajourneyorreturntotheplaceofdeparturebythemostdirectroute•Holdanimalsinaparticularlocationuntilaproblemisresolved•Haveananimalhumanelyslaughtered•Requirerepairorreplacementofequipmentbeforeitcanbeused

AnimalHealthalsocarriesoutenforcementwork.Non-statutorybodiessuchastheScottishSPCAmaytakeactionwhenanimalsareindistress.

Seriousorrepeatedinfringementcanresultinprosecution.Authorisationstotransportcanalsoberemoved,suspendedorhaveconditionsattached.InpracticethestandardofoperationshaskeptimprovingandthenumberofcautionsissuedinScotlandislow.Qualitypays.

Powers of enforcement... Animal behaviour...

221

Remembertheneedforavalidvehicleapprovalcertificateforjourneysover8hourstoEUmemberstates.Therewillalsobearequirementforajourneyplanandajourneylog.

Ajourneylogrequiresdetailofthefollowing:

1.Planning2.Placeofdeparture3.Placeofdestination4.Declarationbytransporter5.Specimenanomalyreport

FulldetailsareavailableintheDefraguidancenotes.www.defra.gov.uk

Exports...

From5thJanuary2008alltransportersandattendantsusingroadvehiclesfortransportingfarmanimals(includingpoultryandhorses)musthavereceivedappropriatetraining,andmustholdacertificateofcompetenceissuedbyanindependentbody.Thisbookletisintendedtoformpartoftherequiredtraining,alongwiththeexperiencegainedinpracticewiththehandlingandtransportoffarmanimals.

Additionalinformationcanbefoundintheguidancenotes‘WelfareofAnimalsDuringTransport’publishedbyDefra,andavailableonthewebatwww.defra.gov.uk

Therequirementfortrainingandcertificationofcompetenceappliestoanydriver/attendanttransportingfarmanimalsbyroad,butnotifthejourneyis:

a. Notinconnectionwithaneconomicactivity;b. Byfarmersusingtheirownoragriculturalvehiclesforseasonalmigration,suchasmoving stocktosummerpastureorwintergrazing;c. Byfarmersoftheirownanimalsintheirownvehiclesforadistanceoflessthan50km(31 miles)fromtheirholding;d. Thejourneyis65km(40miles)travelleddistanceorless;e. Directlyto/fromveterinarypracticesorclinicsundertheadviceofaveterinarian

Assessmentofcompetencewillbeavailablefromavarietyofsources.SFQCcanprovidecertifiedassessment.Seethesectiononinformationsourcesonpage23forfurtherdetails.

Assessmentsofthoseinvolvedinjourneysunder8hoursareprovidedbymeansofamultiplechoicetheorytest.Driversinvolvedinjourneysover8hourswillalsorequireapracticalassessment of competence including driving and animal handling skills

Assessmentofcompetencewill,formostdrivers,providerecognitionoftheskillsandknowledgethattheyalreadyhold.

Drivingforquality–showingthatqualitycounts

Introduction...

1 22

Introduction Whoneedscertificatesofcompetence. 1

Animal behaviour Animalexperienceinfluenceshowtheyreacttohandling.

Thedifferentinfluences;howtomanage;useoftheflightzone. 2

Causesofstress Animalgroups,andwhereseparationisrequired. Stressonyoungorpregnantstock. 3

Appropriatehandling Goodpreparation.Takingcharge,andcorrectuseofpersuasion. Rulesfortheuseofgoads. 4

Loadingandunloading Stressofloading.Factorstoconsiderbeforeloading.Rampangles. 5

Fitnesstotravel Responsibilities;whatisfitornotfitfortravel? Newrequirementsforyounganimals.Bedding. 6

Casualtyanimals Transporttothenearestsuitablelocation.Veterinaryadvice. 7

Hygiene Controllingtheriskofdiseasespread,andcreatingagoodimage. Therulesoncleaningvehicles. 8

Stockingdensity Factorsthatinfluencestockingdensity,suchasweather. Currentguidanceonnumbers. 9

Journeytimes Additionalvehiclerequirementsforjourneysover8hours. Requirementsforfeedandwater. 11

Drivershours SummaryofnewECRegulations. 12

Journeyplanning/ Journeysstartwhenthefirstanimalisloaded. Contingencyplans Listcontactnumbersforadvice.Alwaysplanahead. 13

Ventilation Freshair,removalofheat,managementoftemperaturestress. 14

Vehicleconstruction Checklistforvehicleuse,includinglighting. anduse Certificationofvehiclesforover8hourjourneys. 15

Drivingsafely Howdriverskillinfluencesanimalwelfareandproductquality. Thevalueofsmoothoperations,brakingandattentiontotyres. 17

Healthandsafety Yoursafetyinadifficultjob.Personalhygiene. 18

Legislation Whoisresponsibleforwhat.Thedriverisalwaysresponsible forlivestockontheirvehicle. 19

Paperwork AnimalTransportcertificates,Authorisations,CertificatesofCompetence. 20

Enforcement Whoisresponsibleforcheckinganimalwelfare, andwhataretheirpowers. 21

Exports Additionalrequirementsfortheexporttrade.Journeylogs. 22

Furtherinformation Guidancenotesandlocalcontacts. 23

An information package for drivers involved in the transport of all farm livestock

Producedby:Jamie RobertsonLivestock Management SystemsPioneerHouse,Aberdeen,AB115DE

Withthanksto:the QMS livestock transport steering group,

the hauliers, and other kind contributors

Contents

Further information

The information contained in this document cannot cover all the relevant issues in detail.Thedocumentslistedbelowcontainfurtherdetails,andthecontactlistgiveslinkstospecialistadvice.

WelfareofAnimalsDuringTransport.GuidanceNotes.CouncilRegulation(EC)No1/2005ontheprotectionofanimalsduringtransportandtheWelfareofAnimals(Transport)(England)Order2006.Defra2006.www.defra.gov.uk

Livestocktransportvehicles.Aguidetobestpracticeforvehicleventilation.Defra2005www.defra.gov.uk TheEUDrivers’HoursRules.RoadHaulageAssociation.

SFQC Ltd QMSRoyal Highland Centre The Rural Centre10thAvenue, InglistonIngliston, NewbridgeEdinburgh MidlothianEH288NF EH288NZTel:01313356600 Tel:01314724040Fax:01313356601 Fax:01314724038Email:info@sfqc.co.uk www.qmscotland.co.uk

Road Haulage Association NFUSScotland & Northern Ireland The Rural CentreRoadwayHouse InglistonTheRuralCentre NewbridgeIngliston EH288NZNewbridge Tel:01314724000EH288NZ Fax:01314724010Tel:01314724180 www.nfus.org.uk

The Rural Directorate Scottish Pig Producers LtdAnimalHealthandWelfareDivision 28KingStreetRoom350 HuntlyPentlandHouse AB548DG47Robb’sLoan Tel:01466792284EDINBURGHEH141TYTel.01312446479www.scotland.gov.uk

23

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERFOR THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY

representing the Scottish red meat industry

An information and training packageproduced byQMSfor farm animal transport

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