Transport of Cull Cows

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We all have to do our bit to ensure that cull cows are transported in such a way as to maintain animal welfare, so they arrive at the other end fit and healthy.

  • Only select animals that are fit for transport.

  • A BCS of at least 3.0, ideally more.

  • No signs of ill health.

  • No visible signs of wounds, bleeding disease or deformity.

  • Can bear weight evenly on all 4 legs.

  • Horns: Not ingrown or recently removed. They must be inside the ears and not sharp enough to damage each other in the truck.

    • If you are unsure have them assessed to see if they can qualify for a transport certificate by a vet. When we write a transport certificate we can only certify them for 7 days and it must be to the nearest works. Make sure you have this all organised prior to booking us in to see them.

    • Download the Fit for Transport app from MPI for more information.

Massey University has done research looking at what caused cows to go down when they went to works. They found:

1. 80% of down cows had milk fever (low blood calcium levels).

2. Most cows that went down were still lactating.

3. The further cows were transported the greater the risk of going down.

What can you do to reduce the risk of cows going down?

  • Where possible, fully dry cows off before transporting to slaughter. Transporting in full milk is high risk. Milk any lactating cows as close to transport as possible.

  • Cull cows should be transported for the shortest time possible and ideally processed at the nearest works. Discuss options with your stock agent. The risk of injury or going down increases with travel time and distance.

  • Supplement with extra calcium and magnesium

    • Lime flour 250- 300g per cow

    • Magnesium 60- 70 gm Mag Chloride or Mag Sulphate in water and 30gm Mg Oxide mixed with hay or straw.

  • Take cows off green feed (lush pasture) for a minimum of 4 hours and a maximum of 6 hours if they are still lactating, (12 hours if dry) prior to pick-up time.

  • Provide ad-lib roughage and water until loading with the calcium and magnesium added.

  • A grazed-out paddock is recommended to give cows the opportunity to rest before the journey. Don’t stand them on concrete.

  • Cows may be held in yards overnight at the processing plant, so the total time off feed is longer than just the journey time.