B.AWW.0011 Transport Hub - building and navigating the road ahead
Forty million sheep, cattle and goats are transported annually in Australia.
| Project start date: | 19 January 2023 |
| Project end date: | 15 December 2023 |
| Publication date: | 22 March 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
Livestock movement via road transport in Australia is necessary and common practice for most livestock operations. Nearly all Australian livestock are transported at least once during their lives. Approximately 40 million sheep, cattle and goats are transported annually in Australia – many over relatively short distances within their region (<500km), but also over large interstate distances of long duration (>1,000km). Regardless of trip duration, common risks and issues apply. Transport represents a critical phase in animal production, as it has the potential to negatively impact productivity and product quality, resulting in economic loss and sub-optimal animal welfare. Monitoring, maintaining and continually improving standards during livestock transport are essential to achieving optimal animal welfare and economic outcomes.
Objectives
The objectives of this project were to deliver:
1. Three well-facilitated workshops identifying the key components of a centralised livestock land transport hub.
2. The key components of a centralised livestock land transport hub.
3. A final report on the centralised livestock land transport hub including recommendations to address any identified gaps.
Key findings
Safe, humane and efficient livestock transportation is critically important to the red meat industry and a more proactive management approach is warranted. The scope, nature and magnitude of the challenge at hand warrants MLA’s consideration of a dedicated Livestock Transport Program or other body of work to increase focus on this critical segment of the red meat supply chain. As part of this program, MLA should consider the development of an online ‘Transport Hub’ along the lines described in this report. A ‘communication and extension’ program should also be rolled out to re-emphasise best practice in the area as well as drawing attention to the benefits of the hub. Preferably, MLA should also scope and implement a more focused ‘extension and adoption’ program designed to drive behavioural change in respect to livestock transport. Finally, it’s clear that not all is known in relation to best practice transportation of livestock. Further research is undoubtedly required in the areas of curfewing and objective measures of transportation.
Benefits to industry
Improved performance in the livestock transport sector are many and include improved:
1. Animal health and wellbeing
2. Outcomes for producers and service providers (especially transport operators), including better preparation of livestock for transport and safer working conditions
3. Growth and health performance of livestock at feedlots
4. Carcase yield and meat quality benefits at abattoirs
5. Social licence and consumer sentiment.
MLA action
MLA has developed a Transport Hub, which will be available online.
Future research
The recommendations of this project are that MLA should:
1. Develop and invest in a transport program
2. Consider the establishment of a transport hub to be the focal point of work in this area
3. Implement a comprehensive extension and adoption program around transportation to drive behavioural change towards best practices
4. Undertake further research into best practice curfewing under a range of scenarios.
More information
| Project manager: | Sharon Dundon |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
