Transport Audit and Data Collection for Current Practices

Summary

This study aimed to improve understanding of patterns of land transport of livestock in Australia with a focus on animal welfare outcomes and journeys longer than 6 hours. A staged approach was used to first examine the usefulness of historical records, then develop methods for collecting prospective data from transport events. The third stage involved preparation of a proposal for a follow-on project applying methods developed in stage 2 to produce a nationally representative picture of land transport practices across Australia for journeys greater than 6 hours.
Historical records do not provide sufficient detail on variables of interest to allow these data sources to be used for investigation of livestock transport characteristics and animal welfare outcomes.
Methods were developed and tested in a pilot study in Queensland for prospective collection of data from transport events. The preferred approach involved having a person present at the point of unloading to collect data. These methods were evaluated and the benefit and feasibility of conducting a national study was considered.
A detailed proposal was developed for a national study to characterise land transport practices and animal welfare outcomes across Australia for journeys greater than 6 hours.
Options for routine, ongoing collection of data for monitoring and reporting on land transport events and animal welfare outcomes were identified. Recent developments in welfare standards and quality assurance programs offer considerable promise. In the longer term development of a centralised electronic recording system perhaps integrated with the existing National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) offers the best combination of functionality and benefit.