Is That Cow Fit for Transport? Get Reaquainted With Cattle Transport Rules

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A shift in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s focus means that ranchers transporting cattle to auction, pasture or the abattoir may face increased scrutiny on the condition of the cattle they’re moving. All existing regulations have remained the same, however, ranchers should expect to see CFIA inspectors actively checking on and ticketing animals under transport.

Livestock producers should take note of two things: first, get familiar with the guidelines regarding when to ship animals (and begin managing for the increased scrutiny long before you’re hauling cattle); and, two, if you’re paying a custom hauler to move livestock for you, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for references or ask that extra bedding be added to trailers if it’s found lacking at loading. Anticipate that there will be increased scrutiny at unload, and take steps to meet the humane transport regulations outlined here.

See more: Hear about the science behind Canada’s transport regulations in this Beef Research School

RealAgriculture’s editor, Lyndsey Smith, spoke with Dr. Wayne Tomlinson, extension veterinarian for Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, about what cattle producers should know about transport rules. In his presentation at a recent beef and forage production day, Tomlinson cautioned producers shipping thin and weak cattle would be ticketed and potentially billed for the cost of disposing of an animal it euthanized. In some instances, of injury for example, cattle can lose condition very quickly. Producers should be thinking now about how to manage animals quickly, seeking veterinarian assistant and then making a decision on whether to euthanize on farm, ship immediately or ship soon.

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