# Mortality of Beef Cattle During Long-Distance Transport by Ship or Truck

## TL;DR

This study compares the mortality of beef cattle during long-distance transport by ship or truck in Chile and identifies key risk factors.

## Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence on transport-related mortality in beef cattle and identifies specific risk factors in Chile.

## Key findings

- Mortality was higher for cattle transported by sea compared to those transported by road.
- Calves had a higher mortality risk than older cattle.
- Mortality rates increased with high stocking density and during winter for older cattle.

## Abstract

Long-distance transport is an essential but challenging component of beef cattle production in Chile, because animals are regularly moved about 1500 km north from Patagonia in the far south for fattening or slaughter. During the transport, cattle may be exposed to multiple stressors, including fatigue, floor movement, poor environmental conditions, and prolonged absence of feed and water, which can compromise animal welfare and, in some cases, lead to mortality. Using records from a commercial transport company, we compared mortality in beef cattle during long-distance transport by ship (a 3–5 day roll-on/roll-off system) or by truck (a continuous 2 day journey). Mortality risk was influenced by transport method, animal type, season, and stocking density. In total, more deaths occurred when the cattle were transported by sea, but daily mortality rates were higher during road transport. Calves showed a higher mortality risk than older cattle, as did those transported in winter and at high stocking densities. These findings identify the main risk factors in this long-distance transport and provide evidence to inform improvements in transport management and regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing mortality and enhancing animal welfare in Chile.

Patagonia in the far south of Chile is used as a breeding ground for cattle, which are then transported north for their final stages of growth before being killed for meat. The objective of this study was to compare mortality in beef cattle exposed to two different types of long-distance transport: by ship, using a roll-on/roll-off system, or by truck. Data from a major transport company were used to compare the mortality risks for calves and older cattle when conveyed by sea or road from southern to central Chile journeys of four and two days, respectively. Mortality was higher for both calves and older cattle traveling by sea than those traveling by road, but when the data was corrected for journey duration, mortality/day was greater for those traveling by road. Mortality was increased at high stocking densities and, for older cattle, winter was a high-risk season, compared with summer. Mortality was also higher for calves than older cattle. The results identify the greatest risks of mortality over the two routes to facilitate reform of the transport processes so that cattle welfare is improved.