When it comes to transporting livestock, the greatest concern is ensuring animals do not suffer undue and unnecessary pain and suffering.
This was the focus for Canadian Food Inspection Agency Veterinarian, Dr. Max Popp, when he spoke at livestock seminars earlier this month.
Popp talked about the importance of ensuring animals are fit for transport before they're loaded on the truck. Injury, fatigue, and impending birth are three examples that Popp says would make animal unfit for transport.
But Popp says injured cattle or hogs can sometimes be hard to spot.
"They generally have an instinct that protects them from predators," he says. "So by this, they tend to hide pain. For example, even a pig with a broken leg might still be walking, because if it becomes lame or falls behind, it looks more vulnerable, and then it becomes prey. So it's a 'hide pain or get eaten' kind of idea."
Popp says lameness is classified as slight or serious, and producers need to keep in mind that a slight lameness can deteriorate during travel. Depending on the case, the animal could be unfit for transport, which may call for a vet visit or euthanasia.
Source : PortageOnline