Effects of loading behaviour and road transport stress on traumatic injuries in cattle transported by road during the hot-dry season

The welfare of cattle during loading and unloading, and injuries sustained during road transportation of 150 indigenous West African cattle breeds belonging to the Bos indicus breeds of White Fulani (WF), Red Bororo (RB) and Sokoto Gudale (SG) were investigated. The injuries were determined using standard clinical examination methods. The result showed that cattle with higher points of behavioural activities and loading time had higher (P < 0.01) number of injuries. The highest percentages of injuries were inflicted by their horns, stockholders and vehicle obstructions. Wound contusions and lacerations were the most frequent types of injuries sustained in all the breeds. The thoracic and abdominal walls were the areas of the body most affected by the injuries. Severe injuries and the number of internal muscular hemorrhage sustained at slaughter were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in breeds with massive long horns (RB and WF). The longer the duration of the journey, the higher the incidence of injuries sustained. In conclusion, the transported cattle were exposed to serious stress factors adversely affecting their health, productivity and market value.