Effect of Transport Time of up to 12 Hours on Welfare of Cows and Bulls

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of transport time up to 12 h on welfare of bulls and cows. Cattle transport vehicle was used for the experiment. Sensors to measure temperature, relative humidity and video camera to monitor behaviour were mounted in observation pen. Eighteen measurements were performed during summer and winter for 4, 8, and 12 h transport time with three replications. To determine cortisol, glucose, lactate, and creatine kinase concentrations, blood samples were collected before and after transport from 80 bulls, 82 cows and 20 control animals. Cortisol concentration was generally inversely proportional to transport time (P < 0.001). Glucose concentration for cows was the highest at 12 h and the lowest at 8 h and for bulls it increased with transport time (P < 0.002). Lactate level generally correlated with transport time (P < 0.001), but for bulls the highest and the lowest were at 8 and 4 h in winter. Creatine kinase concentration positively correlated with transport time for bulls and cows but at different rates. Loss of balance and swaying strongly correlated with transport time (P < 0.002). Based on behaviour, stress hormones and pH values, an increase from 4 to 8 h had a higher effect than from 8 to 12 h transport time on welfare and subsequent meat quality.

Effects of transportation on cattle health and production: a review

“…Effects revealed after longer transport distances can potentially cause a decrease in the cortisol response that may be due to the extensive fasting or exhaustion associated with the journey (Van Engen et al ., 2014). Supporting results indicated that increased transport time correlated with a decrease in the level of plasma cortisol concentration (Gebresenbet et al ., 2012; Bulitta et al ., 2015). This change could be caused by the animal's acclimation to transport.…”

Respons Fisiologis dan Indeks Daya Tahan Panas Sapi Peranakan Ongole dan Sapi Brahman Cross di KPT Maju Sejahtera Tanjung Sari Lampung Selatan

“…Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, diketahui bahwa rataan nilai THI di KPT Maju Sejahtera adalah 83,58, dengan rataan nilai THI terendah dan tertinggi berturut-turut pada pukul 06.00 dan 12.00 WIB yaitu sebesar 77,55 dan 86, 65. Menurut Bulitta et al (2015), representatif kondisi ternyaman ternak apabila nilai THI suatu lingkungan kandang ≤74. Sementara ternak yang dianggap mengalami stress ringan--sedang apabila nilai THI berkisar antara 75--83 dan ternak mengalami stress berat apabila nilai THI≥84.…”

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“…Beberapa peneliti melaporkan bahwa kegiatan transportasi seperti persiapan pengangkutan, pemuatan, transportasi dan pembongkaran ternak yang dilakukan oleh para pengusaha ternak menggunakan kapal laut, truk atau transportasi lainnya umumnya dapat mengakibatkan stres (Genswein et al, 2012;Aradom, 2013;Bulitta et al, 2015). Selanjutnya dijelaskan bahwa beberapa faktor utama penyebab stres pada ternak selama transportasi adalah karakteristik mikroklimat atau faktor meteorologis (temperatur, kelembaban, kecepatan angin dan radiasi matahari) dan faktor non meterorologis (penanganan ternak pada saat loading/unloding, lama pelayaran/perjalanan, getaran, desain alat transportasi, kepadatan ternak, kuantitas dan kualitas pakan yang diberikan serta ketersediaan air minum).…”