Livestock Feed Curfew before Transport
Why?
The Australian livestock industry has long utilised curfew practices to manage animal welfare and food safety during transportation, sale and slaughter. Livestock are withheld from lush pasture and green feed before transport to help manage effluent production and reduce faecal contamination.
Access to water
All livestock should have access to clean water up to the time of transport. Make sure the total time without water meets the guidelines for the species and age of the individual animals.
Factors to consider
Recommended curfew durations before the transport of livestock depend on these factors:
- the quality and availability of feed, and environmental conditions such as season, temperature, and humidity.
- livestock specifics such as age, breed, reproductive status and body condition.
- management factors such as mustering and handling practices, transport stocking density and the duration of transport.
