Effect on young calves of a one-hour feeding stop during a 19-hour road journey

This study examined the effects of transporting calves less than four weeks of age on a journey at the limit of the maximum time laid down by recent E u legislation. In both summer and winter, 45 calves were transported by roa d for 19 hours. The journey included a one-hour break on the lorry in which the calves were given either a glucose/electrolyte solution, water, or not hing at all. Control groups of 15 calves remained on farm and were fed norm ally. The effects of the journey were greater during winter when liveweight loss was greater and more prolonged, and the calves suffered a depression in body temperature. Mid-journey feeding was of minimal benefit. Feeding el ectrolytes reduced the extent of dehydration as measured by changes in plas ma total protein and albumin concentrations, but there was some indication that giving water alone was detrimental. Most of the variables which change d during the journey had recovered in line with the values in the control a nimals within 24 hours of the end of the journey, but the calves' liveweigh t and plasma creatine kinase activity took up to seven days to stabilise. T he study highlighted the problem that young calves have in maintaining body temperature during transport, especially during colder weather.