Regulatory Changes in Livestock Transport Boost Animal Welfare and Competitiveness
The livestock transport sector plays a crucial role in the meat and dairy supply chain. Adequate regulations ensure animal welfare, directly impacting product quality, reducing economic losses, and enhancing sector competitiveness.
According to experts, establishing clear protocols on factors like load density, travel times, nutrition, and hydration decreases stress and mortality during transportation. This doesn't just meet consumer and international market demands for better animal treatment but also leads to improved production yields.
“El bienestar durante el transporte es inseparable de la rentabilidad,” señalan desde Contexto Ganadero, subrayando que la trazabilidad y el cumplimiento normativo son condiciones clave para acceder a mercados de alto valor.
In Latin America, several countries are advancing their legislation to align with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OMSA) standards, which recommend maximum travel times, load density, and transporter training. Additionally, technology such as temperature sensors, satellite monitoring, and digital reporting is increasingly used to ensure real-time controls.
The consensus among producers and authorities is that transport regulations should not be seen merely as an obligation but as an investment in competitiveness that ensures access to demanding markets, reduces losses, and enhances the image of livestock production.
