10/15/2026
POOR LIVESTOCK TRANSPORTATION COSTS MORE THAN YOU THINK!
You bought healthy animals at a good price. You have calculated the cost of feed, medication, labour and your expected selling price. Everything looks profitable.
But have you considered what happens between the point of purchase and your farm?
Poor livestock transportation can quietly destroy your profit before your animals even arrive.
When animals are transported under stressful conditions, several things can go wrong:
1. Injuries and bruises: Overcrowding, slippery floors, sharp edges and rough handling can cause injuries that reduce the animal's value and affect meat quality.
2. Weight loss: Long journeys, excessive heat, poor ventilation and inadequate access to water can cause dehydration and shrinkage, reducing the weight you paid for.
3. Stress and disease: Transportation stress can weaken an animal's ability to cope with other challenges and may contribute to illness, especially when animals are mixed with unfamiliar livestock.
4. Death during transit: In severe cases, poor ventilation, heat stress, exhaustion and improper handling can result in animal deaths. Imagine losing an animal you have already paid for before it reaches your farm!
5. Reduced productivity: Animals that arrive exhausted or injured may take longer to settle, recover and resume normal feeding and production.
So, how do we transport livestock properly?
* Use a suitable vehicle with adequate space and ventilation.
* Avoid overcrowding animals.
* Ensure the vehicle has a secure, non-slip floor and no sharp edges.
* Use calm, gentle handling when loading and unloading.
* Plan the journey to reduce unnecessary delays and exposure to extreme heat.
* Provide access to water and rest when appropriate for the journey.
* Inspect animals immediately after arrival and seek veterinary attention when necessary.
At Goke Livestock Farms, we understand that livestock production does not begin and end with buying good breeds and providing quality feed. Every stage of the production chain matters, including transportation.
Remember, the price you pay for an animal is only part of its cost. How you transport it can determine how much value you eventually get from it.
Don't allow poor transportation to turn a profitable livestock investment into a loss.
Transport your animals with care. Protect their welfare. Protect your investment.
