In this episode of the Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast, host Jessica Miller explores the critical topic of fitness for transport and what it means for dairy cattle welfare beyond the farm gate. 

Listeners will learn how proper transport decisions play a key role in maintaining animal health, reducing stress, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The episode outlines essential factors producers should evaluate before transporting cattle, including overall health, mobility, body condition, stage of lactation, and calving status.

Special attention is given to vulnerable groups such as calves and compromised animals, which face higher risks during transport. The episode also highlights best practices like adhering to antibiotic withdrawal times, ensuring animals are properly milked or dried off, and avoiding transport of non-ambulatory or severely lame cattle.

Additionally, the discussion reinforces the importance of the National Dairy FARM Program’s animal care standards, including continuing education requirements and the development of farm-specific transport protocols.

This episode provides practical, science-based guidance to help dairy producers make responsible transport decisions that prioritize animal welfare, food safety, and industry integrity.

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