PRACTICAL NO.

TITLE: MANAGEMENT OF ANIMALS DURING TRANSPORT BY

DIFFERENT MEANS
OBJECTIVE

To be familiarized with the transportation of animal by different means.

INTRODUCTION

Transport of animals is not properly done in Nepal. It can be usually done by the following
means:
(i) On the hoof or walking, (ii) by road, (iii) by air, (iv) by rail, (v) by ship.

Nepal being a landlocked country and having no rail facility the last two means of transportation
cannot be organized. Furthermore, costly race horses, zoo animals and imported exotic cattle are
not transported by ship considering long time taking and feeding and other management
required.

Fundamental principles
1. Humanitarian ground or reasons: Minimum possible discomfort
2. Economic aspect: Without deterioration of physical condition.
3. Hygienic aspect: Spread of diseases

Methods of Transportation

Walking: Points of consideration:

1. Adequate grazing
2. Watering
3. Rest
4. Not to cover a long distance at a time

Cattle and buffaloes are mostly moved on hoof at least for a short distance. It is an economic
way of transport. Adequate feed and water is arranged at suitable points along the routes. Care
must be taken for checking infection of infectious and contagious diseases on route. Usually
animals lose body weight while moving on hoof. Feeding and watering at regular intervals and
providing rest during hot sunny days can minimize weight loss due to stress on transportation.

Cattle and buffalo can be driven easily for about 30-35 Km a day. In summer moving animals
during hotter parts of the day should be avoided. As far as possible animals should be moved on
soft ground on either side of the roads, avoiding hard metalled roads.

Transport of animals on hoof involves economic loss from weight loss, loss from death, drover's
wages and taxes etc.
Road transportation: Points of consideration

1. Whenever possible road transportation should be carried in properly constructed, cattle

truck or horse boxes
2. The floor must be covered with straw or fitted with batons
3. There must not be any projecting objects which may cause injury
4. A common causes of accident arising as a result of rotten in weak floor
5. Truck should properly disinfected after each consignment of animals
6. The vehicle must be so constructed that a protective roof or adequate covering can be
given in bad weather
7. Precautions must be taken to avoid the throughput of animals during the movement of the
vehicle.
8. Food and water must be supplied at the interval of more than twelve hours.

Transport of animal by road is the only solution if the distance is long. Loading and off-loading
facilities should be available both at starting and at destination. Convenient loading and off-
loading prevent difficulties and even injuries to the animals. Transport of animal by road can
cause weight losses and results strain on animals if the road is rough. Transport of animal by
road is slightly more costly.

Usually animals do not sit on moving truck; however, it is advisable to keep sufficient bedding
for protecting slipping, and soaking urine and making comfortable while lying.

Horned animals should be tightened at the side or stand head to tail position so that alternate
animal faces the opposite direction. It is suggested that at least two attendants should accompany
the truckload. Usually four to five adult animals can be loaded in a truck.

CONCLUSION

Road transportation is common method of animal transportation in Nepal. Nowadays, Air

transportation is used for Pet /Companion animal.