Preweaned calf transportation practices in the United States: a survey of dairies, calf raisers, and haulers

Abstract

Transport is recognized as a welfare concern for livestock, but young calves are especially vulnerable to transport challenges. Despite this knowledge, little research is available describing transportation practices of preweaned dairy calves in the United States. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (1) describe the current industry practices regarding the transportation of preweaned dairy and beef-on-dairy crossbred calves, (2) determine differences in pre-transport management on dairies between replacement heifers, beef-on-dairy crossbreds, and dairy bull calves, and (3) identify outreach and research needs to address calf welfare concerns related to transportation. Individuals who make decisions about transporting and receiving preweaned dairy or beef-on-dairy calves within the United States were recruited through digital advertisement, email, and extension agents to complete an online survey in 2023. A total of 123 responses were accepted for analysis and consisted of 69 dairy operations that sold or shipped preweaned calves, 29 operations that received preweaned calves, and 25 hauling companies that transported preweaned calves in 2022. The survey used a branching method to direct respondents to complete one of four surveys, each containing different questions based on their selected role: 1) dairies that sell or contract out calf raising for preweaned calves, 2) dairies that transport and raise preweaned calves at another location, 3) operations that receive preweaned calves after transport (e.g., auctions, livestock markets, calf ranches, etc.), and 4) haulers that transport preweaned calves. Question topics for dairy operations included pre-transport practices such as colostrum management, health evaluations, and marketing practices. Questions for operations that received calves included calf condition upon arrival, disease incidence during the preweaning period, and preconditioning requirements. Questions for hauling companies included distances traveled, number of operations, and calves' final destination. Bhapkar, Kruskal-Wallis, or McNemar tests were conducted to determine differences in management practices at the dairy prior to transport. The predictor of interest was calf class: replacement heifer, beef-on-dairy, and dairy bull. Outcomes of interest included: age at transport, timing after birth to first colostrum feeding, total colostrum quantity, milk feeding prior to transport, and access to water immediately prior to transport, median distance, and median duration. Out of the 69 dairy operations accepted for analysis, 40 dairy operations transported 284,597 replacement heifers, 58 dairy operations transported 263,104 beef-on-dairy crosses, and 57 dairy operations transported 33,146 dairy bull calves prior to weaning. The age at transport for the majority of calves differed between calf class (P < 0.009). A difference in timing to first colostrum feeding was seen between replacement heifer and beef-on-dairy calves (P = 0.02). A difference in timing to first colostrum feeding was seen between replacement heifer and dairy bull calves as well (P = 0.02). Some preconditioning practices differed between replacement heifer and beef-on-dairy calves and between beef-on-dairy and dairy bull calves (P < 0.05). Operations that received preweaned calves reported wide variabilities in the prevalences of morbidity and mortality in calves following transport, suggesting a lack of uniformity in calf care across the industry. While the study was limited by a small sample size, our findings provide a deeper understanding of transport management practices in the United States that can help guide future research and outreach efforts to promote the health and welfare of dairy calves and support the longevity of the dairy industry.