K-State Looking To Improve High Risk-Calf Transportation

Calves are transported across the country on a regular basis, but 25% to 30% of those cattle coming into feedyards are mismanaged once they reach their final destination, that according to Kansas State professor of veterinary medicine, Dan Thomson.  He said producers should implement proper management techniques for when they receive fresh calves to protect the animals’ health and boost their performance.  Thomson said animal welfare is more than simple cattle handling procedures.

"Some of the things that we focus on are cattle comfort, nutrition and then our preventative medicine.  Cattle comfort, there are two main aspects to that is making sure we have a dry shaded pen that these cattle can rest.  The first thing cattle want to do after a long haul, is rest

For every hour cattle spent on a truck, Thomson recommends an hour of rest. For example, if transportation took a full 24 hours, those cattle should get a full day of rest before handling.

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