Context
The European regulations on the welfare of farm animals are currently being revised. In December 2023, the European Commission published its Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of animals during transport and related operations, amending Regulation (EC) No 1255/97 and abrogating Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 currently in force. This revision is intended to update regulatory requirements in light of the latest scientific advances on animal welfare during transport, and is based on expert opinions published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) at the request of the European Commission. The draft revision of Regulation 1/2005 suggests higher space allowances (lower densities) than those in Regulation 1/2005, in order to improve the space available to the animals being transported and hence their welfare.
Following the publication of the draft revision, professional livestock and transport organizations raised concerns about an increased risk of falls and injuries associated with lower loading densities during transport. To support its arguments during European discussions, the BBEA the DGAL referred the matter to the FRCAW address the following question: “Are [cattle] transported by road at the densities specified in the proposed revision of Regulation 1/2005 at greater risk of falling and/or sustaining injuries than [cattle] transported by road at the densities specified in the current regulation (Regulation 1/2005)?”
The FRCAW report FRCAW the key points of the EFSA opinion on the welfare of cattle during transport, focusing exclusively on information regarding the risks of falls and injuries associated with transport density.
It examines three areas:
- An analysis of the scientific literature the impacts of a reduction in loading density (increase in the space allowance) on the risk of falls and injuries;
- The effects of reduced stocking density on stress in cattle;
- Other factors that increase the risk of falls or injuries during the transport of cattle.
Main conclusions of the FRCAW
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- The quality of the driving, the route taken;
- Truck design;
- The presence of litter;
- The duration and distance of transport.
