A recent study published in Animal Welfare has uncovered alarming mortality rates for cattle and sheep during transport and at saleyards across New South Wales. Prompted by incidents like a highway fire involving a livestock truck, the research analyzed data from 2021-2024, revealing that approximately 0.016% of cattle and 0.096% of sheep die per sale day. When annualized, these figures translate to significant losses for the industry.
The study identified factors such as high temperatures, saleyard size and location, and colder minimum temperatures as contributors to livestock deaths. It underscores the economic implications, with potential losses of up to A$2,000 per cow, and advocates for stricter adherence to and enforcement of welfare standards, drawing comparisons to European Union regulations. Improving transport and handling practices is deemed crucial for animal welfare, meat quality, and maintaining public trust in the agricultural sector.
