Tips for transporting livestock

The Agriculture Victoria checklist relates to the transport of cattle, sheep or goats and the rules and regulations which need be followed.

"The new 'Transporting livestock responsibilities and recommendations' webpage provides everything farmers need to be across from market expectations to curfews, animals being fit to load, planning the journey and getting the paperwork right," Agriculture Victoria technical specialist Kirstie Anderson said.

"If you're selling livestock, either for slaughter over the hooks, to the saleyard or in a private sale, it's important to consider whether the stock meet your customer's requirements."

"Meeting market specifications can lead to higher prices compared to selling stock that is outside the specifications and can help to create a good relationship with your supply chain," Ms Anderson said.

The checklist includes links to resources relating to market specifications such as age or dentition, weight, fat or condition scores, withholding periods, Livestock Production Assurance (LPA), Meat Standards Australia (MSA) or other quality assurance program information.

Producers, stock agents and transporters can access curfew advice and information as well as links to MSA handling requirements and standards to better understand specific supply chains.

"The page provides a checklist of everything you need to be ready for market, to plan your journey and to get the paperwork right," Ms Anderson said.

The page has links to Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines, including the handy and easy to use booklet 'Is the animal fit to load?'.

"Good preparation can ensure better animal welfare, minimize transport-related losses and can support better eating quality outcomes," Ms Anderson said.

"We've included reminders about 'spelling periods' for livestock if a journey is going to take longer than the maximum time allowed, as well as maximum times off feed and water to help producers put their best plan forward."