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Farm Operations, Facilities & EquipmentLoading and Transporting Dairy Cattle
Loading and hauling are stressful for cows. Planning, calm handling and good equipment protect the animal, the people involved and the value of the load.
Key points
- Haul only animals fit to travel
- Prepare ramps, trucks and lighting before loading
- Handle cows calmly and avoid prods
- Plan for weather, rest and emergencies
- Follow state rules, records and withdrawal times
Decide whether the cow should travel
Only cows fit for travel should be hauled. Lame, weak, injured, very thin, newly fresh or sick animals may not tolerate the trip and may need a vet's guidance first. Animals that cannot walk on their own should not be loaded without veterinary and legal advice.
Rules on transporting animals differ by state and by program. Ask your veterinarian, your state department of agriculture and your buyer or hauler, and follow your FARM Program or other certification requirements.
If you are unsure whether a cow can travel, ask your vet before you load. Waiting for advice is better than a problem on the road.
Prepare facilities and equipment
Plan before the truck arrives. Check the loading area, ramp, gates and lights. The ramp should have good footing and a gentle slope, with solid sides where possible. Cows move best onto a truck that looks safe, with cleats or cross-bars to keep them from slipping.
Make sure the trailer or truck is clean, ventilated and in good repair. Confirm that the driver is experienced with dairy cattle.
Practice with the equipment ahead of time. A ramp that is slippery or too steep will cause trouble no matter how good the handlers are.
- Non-slip ramp with solid sides
- Even, bright, glare-free lighting
- Clean, bedded truck with working gates
- Clear path with no dead ends
Handling during loading
Move cows quietly. Let them see the path and give them time. Avoid shouting, hitting or the use of electric prods. Work in small groups so animals do not crowd or fall. Use panels and gates, not your body, to guide them.
Keep people out of the pinch points between the truck and the gate. Have an extra person on hand to help if an animal balks.
Give the driver clear instructions, including the number of animals, any special needs and who to call if there is a problem. Make sure everyone knows the plan.
On the road
Plan the route and timing to limit time on the truck, and avoid the hottest or coldest part of the day where you can. Ensure the animals have enough space, good airflow and protection from extremes of weather. Discuss rest, water and feeding needs with the hauler for longer trips.
Watch for signs of trouble such as down animals, heavy panting or injuries, and have an emergency plan with a veterinarian's number.
Before the trip, confirm the route and the destination's receiving hours. Waiting at a closed gate in hot weather or on a cold night is hard on the animals.
- Avoid extreme heat and cold
- Do not overcrowd
- Provide good footing and ventilation
- Keep a contact for emergencies
Records and rules
Keep identification, health records and any required paperwork with the load. Cows with treatments must have milk and meat withdrawal times followed exactly as the label or your vet directs. Cull animals must not be shipped in violation of residue rules.
Ask your state department of agriculture and your buyer about health papers, identification and testing needed for movement.
Keep copies of the paperwork, and write down who loaded, who drove and when the load left.
Safety for people
Handling large animals is dangerous. Plan escape routes, wear sturdy boots and follow manufacturer and OSHA guidance for ramps and equipment. Avoid working alone, and keep bystanders and children away from the loading area.
Skid steers or tractors used nearby add risk, so keep them away from cows and people during loading.
Hold a quick huddle before loading so every person knows the plan and the signals.
Common mistakes
Common mistakes include hauling unfit animals, rushing, using slippery ramps, overloading the truck, ignoring weather and failing to plan for animals that go down. Many problems can be avoided by planning the trip the day before. Bring a flashlight, spare gate chains and a charged phone, and agree who calls whom if something goes wrong.
After each load, talk with the crew about what went well and what to change next time. Those small notes improve every job.
Write a short loading checklist and keep it where the crew will see it. Review it before each load, and update it after any near miss.
Sources and further reading
Organization homepages are linked so you can search them for current guidance on this topic.