Review of Stocking Density

Summary

​Stocking density for livestock is an important issue because it can have major impacts on both animal welfare and profitability. The effects of space allowance in the livestock export industry are unique because of the durations of pre-export assembly and sea transportation; research from land transport and intensive livestock production are not directly relevant and, at best, tentative inferences can be made from the literature available. Negligible research has been located on space allowance during pre-export assembly and sea transportation and it would appear that current standards have evolved through practical experience and are not corroborated by scientific studies. As a consequence of the lack of relevant scientific studies, we examined stocking density from an allometric perspective to aid with interpretation of land transportation studies and to better understand their relevance to pre-export assembly premises and sea transportation.