Many the Miles
Consider Beef Quality Assurance for cattle transportation during the fall run.
It seems the year is just flying by. Fall is already upon us, which means it is about time for the “fall run.” Millions of cattle are being transported across the United States. A past Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) survey indicated feeder calves traveling to Texas or Nebraska feedyards traveled an average of 468 miles, with some traveling plus or minus 415 miles.
Because we live in the age of “everyone has a camera in their hand,” it is important for producers and livestock haulers to remember our bumper-pull trailers, gooseneck trailers and cattle pots are giant billboards for the cattle industry. As cattle industry representatives, we must be aware our actions during cattle transport could be scrutinized. Additionally, the condition of the cattle we are transporting could come under scrutiny and should be considered.
As cattle industry representatives, we must always be aware that our actions during cattle transport could be scrutinized.
Because transportation can be a stressful time for cattle, it is important we do everything we can to limit the stress on animals being transported. If we don’t, we may see negative consequences on cattle welfare and performance due to stress. Research has shown stress from shipping can affect calves’ immunity and prolong the amount of time calves are off feed following shipping.
Several preshipping suggestions have been made as a result of previous research. These include:
- Cattle should be fed and watered within five hours prior to being loaded if the trip length is more than 12 hours.
- Cattle being loaded for trips longer than four hours should be fed within 24 hours prior to loading.
- Cattle should have access to water at all times prior to loading.
- Cattle should be handled as little as possible and as gently as possible prior to transport.
- Cattle should receive a minimum of five hours of rest following 48 hours of transport.
- Cattle should be in good health and fit for transport.
- Do not transport nonambulatory cattle.
- Do not transport cattle showing signs of sickness or being actively sick.
- Do not transport cattle with a body condition score less than or equal to 2.
- Cattle with a mobility score of 3 are considered “compromised” and should be handled and transported with special provisions.
- Do not transport cattle with a mobility score of 4.
The National Beef Quality Assurance Transportation (BQAT) program works hard to ensure cattle producers and haulers are well aware of the industry standards and expectations when it comes to cattle transport. This program covers best management practices of several different topics for those transporting cattle, including principles of stockmanship, the importance of biosecurity, evaluation of fitness for transport, pretrip planning and loading, considerations during travel, unloading, and risk and emergency management. Because the cattle industry sees the importance and value of the BQAT program, many major packers require BQAT certification for anyone delivering cattle to their plants.
It is easy to get BQAT certified. If you attend an in-person BQA event, you will achieve your BQA and BQAT certification all at one meeting. This will reduce the time commitment it requires if you need both and choose to certify online. More information on in-person events can be found online at www.bqa.unl.edu.
While we recommend attending an in-person meeting, we understand that sometimes it just isn’t feasible to leave the operation. Therefore, those wishing to become certified can do so online. By going to www.BQA.org, you can certify in either the BQA or BQAT programs. Each program requires about two to three hours of time to complete.
If you have any questions about the BQA program, feel free to contact Nebraska BQA at any time at nebraskabqa@unl.edu or call 308-633-0158.
Editor’s note: Jesse Fulton is an Extension educator and director of Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance. Photo by Troy Walz.
