Hauling cattle is an integral part of most operations. Whether cattle are hauled to the local livestock market or to a different pasture, ensuring that proper transportation practices are used can prevent injury to the cattle. Reducing cattle stress and injury can lead to more profitable operations.

Proper maintenance of stock trailer:

Ÿ Trailers are repaired and kept in good condition.

Ÿ Tires have proper pressure and adequate tread.

Ÿ Wheels are greased according to manufacturer recommendations.

Ÿ A jack capable of lifting a loaded trailer, block and a spare tire kept with trailer.

Ÿ Wiring and lights functioning.

Ÿ Brakes are working.

Ÿ Trailer floor in good repair (wood floor lasts about 10 years. Will be less if not cleaned out after use).

Ÿ Clean trailer after every use (reduces slipping by animals, also a bio-security measure).

Cattle can be loaded on stock trailers from the working chute. If pick-ups are used, a loading chute is required. Make sure the height of the chute fits your truck and that you can back the truck squarely against the chute. If you use more than one type of truck, build an adjustable loading chute. Do not exceed 3 1/2 inches of rise per foot of length. A flooring of packed earth or gravel provides the best footing, but is not adjustable. On wooden floored chutes, use cleats that are one inch to two inches in height. Space cleats six inches to eight inches apart from edge to edge. Build loading chutes 30 inches wide for cow-calf operations.

Some examples loading/unloading chutes for livestock trailers:

Ÿ When loading cattle onto the trailer, move the cattle slowly and quietly.

Ÿ Avoid using electric prods and aggressive use of canes, whips and sorting sticks.

Ÿ Sort cattle into groups based on weight, sex and horns. Load different groups into separate compartments.

Ÿ Bulls that have not been together should be loaded into separate compartments.

Ÿ Separate cattle that are purchased from separate sources. This will prevent them from trying to establish social status while on the trailer.

Equipment selection:

Ÿ Do not overload the truck and trailer. Check the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) to ensure it can handle the load to be pulled safely.

Driving considerations:

Ÿ Careful driving can prevent bruises and injuries.

Ÿ Prior to hauling cattle, plan the route to avoid heavy traffic, sharp turns and minimizing stops.

Ÿ Use gently acceleration and braking.

Weather considerations:

Ÿ Avoid hauling cattle during extreme weather conditions.

Ÿ In summer, try to haul cattle in early morning after road has cooled down overnight.

Ÿ In winter, account for wind chill (worst time to haul cattle is in cold rain).

Ÿ Avoid hauling during icy conditions.

Fit to load?

Ÿ Are cattle physically able to be loaded and unloaded? USDA rule prohibits the processing of cattle that become non-ambulatory after they pass federal veterinary inspection. Additionally, the final rule requires that establishments notify inspection program personnel when cattle become non-ambulatory disabled after passing the ante-mortem, pre-slaughter inspection.

Ÿ Can cattle walk normally, bearing weight on all four legs?

Ÿ Are any cattle suffering from advanced stages of health disorder such as cancer eye, open wounds, mastitis, emaciation, malnutrition, exhaustion or deformity?

Ÿ If cattle have been treated, has the withdrawal time passed?

Ÿ Are there any blind cattle?

Ÿ Do not haul female cattle that are in the late stages of pregnancy.