Calf Transport: A Hidden Stressor with Lasting Impacts

Each year, millions of calves are moved between dairies, calf raisers, auctions, and farms—often within hours of birth. While necessary, transportation during a calf’s most vulnerable stage introduces a range of stressors that can significantly affect their health, growth, and future productivity. Understanding these impacts and implementing strategies to reduce transport-related stress is key to improving calf welfare and long-term outcomes.

The Hidden Risks of Early Transport
Transporting calves within the first 24 hours of life can expose them to nutritional, thermal, physical, and emotional stress. At this stage, calves lack a fully functional immune system and depend entirely on antibodies from colostrum. This leaves a 2–3 week window of vulnerability, where stress from transport can increase the risk of disease, such as scours, respiratory illness, and navel infections.

Five Ways to Improve Calf Transport Outcomes

1. Precondition the Calf

   • Feed high-quality colostrum immediately after birth.

   • Disinfect navels and house calves in clean, dry conditions.

   • Offer milk and water close to transport time.

2. Assess Fitness for Transport

   • Only ship calves that are alert, able to stand, and free from signs of illness or dehydration.

3. Handle with Care

   • Use gentle handling during loading and unloading.

   • Provide ample bedding and space; calves should be able to lie down.

   • Avoid extreme weather by timing transport wisely.

4. Reconsider Age and Duration

   • Calves transported at 7 days or older fare better.

   • Delaying shipment by even one day reduces dehydration risk.

   • Keep transport times under 16 hours to minimize health issues.

5. Strengthen the Supply Chain

   • Improve communication between dairies and calf raisers.

   • Share health records and feedback.

   • Train staff on calf handling and transport fitness.

   • Explore fair compensation for preconditioned calves to align expectations and value.

Conclusion
Calf transport is more than a logistical task—it’s a critical management decision that can shape the future health and productivity of the animal. By adopting simple yet effective practices, dairy producers, transporters, and calf raisers can work together to reduce stress and illness, promoting better outcomes for calves and stronger performance across the supply chain.