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
Pn. Grigor et al., 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, ANIM SCI, 73, 2001, pp. 341-360
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.