Effects of space allowance during transport and duration of mid-journey lairage period on the physiological, behavioural and immunological responses of young calves during and after transport

The effects of space allowance during transportation and duration of a mid journey lairage period on measurements of stress, injury, dehydration, food restriction and rest in young calves were assessed during and after transp ort. Groups of calves were transported for two 9-h journeys (at a space all owance of either 0.375 or 0.475 m(2) per calf) separated by a mid-journey l airage period of either 1 or 22 h. Non-transported calves were offered milk replacer and drinking water either at the usual times or only at the same times as the transported calves. During transport, transported calves spent significantly less time lying do wn and had a greater plasma cortisol concentration than control calves. Und er the driving conditions used, increased space allowance was not associate d with greater injury or loss of stability. The duration of the mid journey lairage was not an important factor; the shorter lairage time, giving the calves sufficient time to receive milk replacer but little opportunity to r est, had no major detrimental effects on the variables used to assess welfa re. Although there was little evidence that transport affected immunologica l variables, there was some evidence that it adversely affected the health of the calves post transport.