Veterinaria Italiana (Mar 2008)
Engineering and design of holding yards, loading ramps and handling facilities for land and sea transport of livestock
Abstract
Facilities designed for intensively raised animals trained to lead are not appropriate for handling extensively raised animals unaccustomed to close contact with people. The author provides information on facility design for both intensively and extensively raised livestock. Non-slip flooring in handling facilities is essential for all livestock. Cleats must be spaced on loading ramps for trucks or ships so that the hooves of the animals fit easily between them. Cleats spaced too far apart cause slipping and falling. In developing countries, building stationary ramps for vehicles of differing heights using concrete, wood or steel is recommended. Highly mechanised systems, such as hydraulic tailgate lifts, are not recommended in developing countries due to maintenance difficulties. The holding capacity for livestock shipping and receiving terminals should be designed to hold the largest number of animals handled on the busiest days. To maintain high standards of animal welfare, it is important to train employees to handle animals using methods to reduce stress and to conduct weekly audits of handling using an objective, numerical scoring system to maintain high welfare standards.
