Senasa Recommends Preventive Measures for Transporting Livestock in High Temperatures
In response to the challenges posed by high temperatures, the National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service (Senasa) in Argentina is urging transporters of food animals to adopt preventive measures to minimize the effects of heat stress during transportation.
Heat stress is a serious concern for animals, as it can lead to a range of negative impacts on their welfare and overall health. Factors such as decreased feed consumption and efficiency, weight loss, deterioration of performance and reproductive rates, increased risk of diseases, and even mortality rates can all result from heat stress.
Senasa emphasizes that certain animals are more susceptible to heat stress, with those that accumulate the highest level of body fat and those with black fur and in finishing stages being the most prone. In addition, factors such as age, color, and hair length can also influence an animal’s susceptibility to heat stress.
To mitigate the risks of heat stress during transportation, Senasa has outlined several key measures that transporters of livestock should consider. These measures include checking the weather forecast before scheduling trips, planning activities to minimize waiting time, loading animals during cooler times of the day, using authorized vehicles and providing sufficient ventilation, among others.
By following these measures, Senasa aims to improve animal welfare and promote the well-being of livestock, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders in the livestock industry. Senasa also encourages those with questions or concerns to consult a veterinarian, emphasizing that compliance with animal welfare standards is advantageous for all species.
Related notes on prevention measures against heat stress in dairy animals and beef cattle are also provided by Senasa, further underscoring the importance of addressing heat stress in livestock. Overall, Senasa’s recommendations serve as a valuable resource for transporters and stakeholders in the livestock industry, as they work to prioritize the welfare of animals during transportation in high temperatures.