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You are here: HomePublicationsTransport of LivestockSpace and Seperation

Space and Separation

Space

Careful penning of livestock within a vehicle is vital. Animals packed too tightly will be crushed or suffocated. If they are held too loosely, any sudden movement may cause them to fall and be injured.

Space allowances will need to be adjusted according to: weather, road and driving conditions; the journey length; the type and design of the vehicle; and the size, weight and category of the animal. The following is a guide.

 

Species

Category

Weight (kg)

Area per animal (m2)

Cattle

Small calves

55

0.30-0.40

Medium calves

110

0.40-0.70

Heavy calves

200

0.70-0.95

Medium cattle

325

0.95-1.30

Heavy cattle

550

1.30-1.60

Very heavy cattle

>700

>1.60

Sheep

Shorn

<55

0.2-0.3

>55

>0.3

Unshorn

<55

0.3-0.4

>55

>0.4

Pregnant ewes

<55

0.4-0.5

>55

>0.5

Pigs*

Pork

40-65

0.2-0.3

Cutter

65-80

0.3-0.35

Bacon

80-100

0.35-0.45

Heavy

>100

>0.45

 *Stocking density for pigs of around 100kg should not exceed 235kg/m2

 

Increase space allowances by up to 20% in hot weather, over long journeys, when the route will be through a built up area, or if expecting slow moving traffic.

Larger vehicles will need to be subdivided into pens with suitable partitions. When vehicle pens are not at full capacity, partitions must be placed to ensure that animals are not thrown about by the motion of the vehicle. However, animals must not be packed so tightly so as to cause unnecessary suffering.

The following are recommended pen lengths:

Sheep, goats and pigs

  • The length of a pen must not exceed 3.1m

Cattle (not calves)

  • The length of a pen must not exceed 3.7m

Calves (i.e. cattle

  • The length of a pen must not exceed 2.5m

Separation

When planning to transport any livestock, the penning arrangements will be affected by the need to separate certain groups of animals.

  • Do not mix species – unless separation would cause distress.
  • If possible, do not mix social groups (especially with pigs and cattle).
  • Do not pen animals of significantly different sizes together.
  • Separate vulnerable animals, such as those with young at foot.
  • Adult males must be kept separate unless reared together.
  • Tied and untied animals should not be penned together, with the exception of a mother with its young.
  • Horned and unhorned animals cannot be penned together unless they are secured by the head or neck.

Stocking density should take account of the size and species of animals, and the journey. Remember the rules of penning and separation.

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