Safety-Checking Livestock Trucking To Reduce LosaT^and B^ncjage Farmer Cooper^j^fejb^^rice U.S. Department of Agriculture FARMER COOPERATIVE SERVICE U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON 25, D. C. Joseph G. Knapp, Administrator The Farmer Cooperative Service conducts research studies and service activities of assistance to farmers in connection with cooperatives engaged in marketing farm products, purchasing farm supplies, and supplying business services. The work of the Service relates to problems of management, organization, policies, merchandising, product quality, costs, efficiency, financing, and membership. The Service publishes the results of such studies; confers and advises with officials of farmer cooperatives; and works with educational agencies, cooperatives, and others in the dis- semination of information relating to cooperative principles and practices. This publication is based on research findings developed under the Agricul- tural Marketing Act of 1946 (RMA, Title II). Contents Page Types of vehicles used in trucking livestock 2 Safety-checking the vehicle 6 Bedding 6 End gates ■ 7 Multiple decks 7 Ventilators and partitions 7 Loading and unloading 8 Loading and unloading facilities 8 Handling animals 8 Separation of species 9 Number loaded 10 Unloading at destination 10 Highway movement 11 Checkpoints for safety 13 Suggested loadings for livestock 18 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of Florida, George A. Smathers Libraries with support from LYRASIS and the Sloan Foundation http://archive.org/details/safetycheckOOunit Safety-Checking Livestock Trucking to Reduce Loss and Damage by Joseph E. Rickenbacker Transportation Branch Management Services Division Trucks or trailers on highways move over 80 percent of all live- stock going to and from markets and to packing plants. This percentage varies somewhat among the several species of livestock and among the geographical areas. Even shipments which may go by rail are quite likely to use highway transportation for some part of the total trip, if no more than movement to or from the railroad loading facili- ties. Research by Farmer Cooperative Service and others has shown that market level losses -- crippling, death, condemnations, and carcass bruise damage -- are often related to factors associated with the transportation of the animals. The overall loss due to these causes totals over $50 million a year on a nationwide basis for all species com- bined. Since most livestock moves by truck and since the loss rate is somewhat higher for this type of trans- port, the industry should give special attention to ways and means of improv- ing trucking of livestock from a safe- handling standpoint. Farmer Cooperative Service1 s In- formation 28, Safety-Checking Live- stock Handling Facilities, gives ways of safety -checking stationary handling facilities to reduce loss and damage. This current publication on trucking is designed to help farmers, ranchers, cooperative and other marketing agen- cies, commercial livestock haulers, and others interested in the livestock industry to evaluate their own livestock trucking, whether it is done privately or for-hire. It discusses many loss-associated conditions and practices and suggests how to correct them. A list of check points at the end of this publication can be used to evaluate and improve any trucking operation. These can help the industry improve trucking practices and conditions and thus significantly reduce market level losses. Types of Vehicles Used in Trucking Livestock A visit to the unloading area of a livestock market or a processing Portable loading chutes provide a means of safely loading trucks at farms or ranches where stationary chutes don' t exist or aren* t adequate . plant will show that livestock travels in almost every kind, size, and variety of vehicles that moves on the Nation's highways. There will be pickup trucks, horse trailers and other small trailers drawn by the family car, a variety of sizes of "straight" trucks, semi- trailers, and full trailers. Some of the vehicles will be equipped with more than one deck on which to carry the animals. A great many of them will be multi-purpose; that is, the owner or operator may use them to transport other commodities. Other vehicles will be highly specialized equipment intended exclusively for livestock hauling. Generally speaking, the smaller vehicles will be owned and operated by the producer while the larger equip- ment is more likely to be "for-hire" or privately operated by a large firm in the industry. The smaller vehicles are most generally used in relatively short hauls, while the larger equip- ment is usually employed for longer hauls or for large shipments moving shorter distances — especially in the Midwest where large feeding operations are relatively close to markets and processing plants. In colder sections of the country, the vehicle, regardless of size, is likely to be fully enclosed -- that is, the body will be like a van. In warm sections, the body will probably be open with no roof or covering and widely spaced slats. Aside from the very small vehicles (pickups and the like), the most fre- quently used body style in most sections of the country will have sides made of slats with the trailers usually having solid roofs. In many cases, the slatted sides are adjustable or convertible so that the space between the slats can be narrowed or filled in to form a solid sidewall. Besides coming in all sizes and types, the vehicles themselves have historically varied in their specifi- cations from one manufacturer to another. This has constituted a major problem to the industry because stationary facilities used in loading and unloading animals must be designed to The variat ion in height of truck beds is made much less a factor in safe loading by adjustable chutes such as this one at a major stockyard. best serve the trucks that will use them. Variations in the height of truck beds, positioning of multiple decks, and width and location of end gates have made it virtually impossible to construct a facility that was right for all trucks unless the facility was fully adjustable. This is often too costly in relation to frequency of use. The industry has tried to meet the problem with facilities that adjust to some degree or by constructing two or three facilities at a given location, each of which would accommodate the trucks that were the most frequent users of the facilities. Fortunately, the major manufacturers of livestock hauling equipment have been rapidly adopting standard specifications which will serve to gradually eliminate this problem. Safety-Checking the Vehicle Although each of the various types and sizes of vehicles used to haul livestock has its own particular charac- teristics, there are basic things to look for in checking the vehicle from the standpoint of safe -handling. These will now be listed. In a sense, the body of the truck or trailer may be regarded as a pen — a "mobile pen," if you will. The same components are present -- sides, a floor, a gate, and perhaps a roof. Therefore, make a critical examination of the body on the same basis as in safety-checking a stationary pen. .Bedding. - Give special attention to bedding. This is important because animals need to have good footing to prevent slips and falls while the vehicle is in motion. Tailor bedding to fit the weather conditions likely to prevail while in transit. Sand alone may be sufficient in many cases but in cold weather the addition of straw will probably be needed to safely move the smaller species. Wood shavings, saw- dust, insulation waste granules, sand, and straw are all generally acceptable types of bedding. End Gates. - In many trucks, end gates are a very critical problem. Frequently, the gate is set in a frame which leaves open channel irons or other sharp edges exposed. Research has shown that much of the most serious carcass bruise injury associ- ated with trucked livestock happens when animals are passing through such end gates. Take care not only to see that the end gate is functioning properly but that adequate precautions have been taken to protect animals loading or unloading through these gates. Multiple Decks. - Vehicles having more than one deck constitute a special problem. Be sure to position the upper deck so that animals can enter either deck safely and unimpeded. Back injury and other bruising may result if positioning is improper. The use of stub-decks is not recommended unless there is provision for safely loading and unloading the livestock. Usually, this can be assured only if a portable chute or ramp is provided for use within the vehicle or unless such a facility is an integral part of the upper deck equipment. Ventilators and Partitions. - Many larger vehicles have two other types of equipment which should be given attention. These are built-in venti- lators and permanent load dividers or partitions. Try out this equipment to see that it is in good working order. Ventilators may need to be adjusted for weather conditions. Regard dividers and partitions as gates and safety- check accordingly. Loading and Unloading Loading and unloading are in reality a phase of trucking,, Research clearly shows that it is also the most critical phase, particularly with reference to bruise damagec Controlled test loads of cattle used in a Farmer Cooperative Service research project had carcass bruise damage positively identified with loading and unloading. They accounted for about one -third of total bruise loss incurred during all handling from origin through slaughter. Potential loss and damage are af- fected by two factors during loading and unloading — the physical facilities used in the operations and actions of those people handling the livestock. A proper evaluation of this phase of trucking must give consideration to both. Loading and Unloading Facilities. - Physical facilities used in loading and unloading include chutes, docks, cross- overs, ramps, and catch pens. Care- fully check these for hazardous con- ditions which might cause animals to be injured. Give these facilities the same sort of critical examination that applies to pens or truck bodies. Handling Animals. - Handling really begins with sorting and assembly before loading. There will be less likelihood of injury if this work is done some time in advance of the actual loading, so the animals can become accustomed to the new surroundings. This chute has solid sides from the bottom of the cleated ramp to the dock -- a good idea because animals aren' t distracted dur ing the loading process by happenings on the outside of the chute. When loading begins, the paramount consideration is to avoid excitement. Laboratory research done by Ohio State University in cooperation with FCS proved that excited animals bruise more easily and more severely. Avoid hurrying." Eliminate or restrict the use of persuaders. Considerate, gentle handling will pay dividends in loss reduction. Separation of Species. - If the ship- ment is to contain more than one species of livestock, be sure that partitions are used to separate the species. Horned animals, bulls, cripples, and animals having conditions which might affect their ability to stand the trip should also be partitioned off or securely tied. Number Loaded. - Just how many animals should be loaded is often a question hard for the livestock owner or trucker to answer. Perhaps a good rule is to load so that the animals are " comfortable " — not too snug nor too loose. Overcrowding often results in serious damage because T,downersTt canTt get up and as a consequence get trampled. Hogs and sheep may die from suffocation. So donft "crowd your luck." Page 18 of this publication gives some information to determine how many animals of various species and weights might be safely loaded into a given area. Unloading at Destination. - The same caution called for in loading applies to unloading after the trip is completed. If the livestock owner has no control over the stationary facilities at destination, he should direct the attention of those operating the facili- ties to hazardous conditions he may find. At any rate, the person unloading the livestock should safety-check the unloading facilities before he starts to unload so that he can avoid or minimize, insofar as possible, hazards which may exist. And here, just as in loading, patience, consideration, and careful handling are paramount. Actually, ani- mals will frequently unload themselves if the end gate is opened and they are 10 left alone. This practice is always worth a try because animals, like people, will make every effort to avoid hurting themselves. Highway Movement Events and conditions during actual over-the-road movement can directly influence loss and damage to livestock. In addition, things that occur or are not taken care of before actual move- ment can affect the condition of the livestock. Some careful preplanning is definitely in order. In addition to safety- checking the vehicle and using the best practices during loading, consider the route to be followed, the weather conditions likely to occur, and the length of haul. Stairsteps seem to facilitate safe loading or unloading. The solid sides and the funnel arrangement also are helpful. 11 In choosing the route, select the one that reduces the number of stops and starts, avoids steep grades and sharp curves, offers the smoothest roadway, and is the most direct. Carefully weigh weather conditions and length of haul so as to make proper ventilation adjustments and provide correct bedding. If the trip is a long one, arrange for possible stops to unload the animals for feed and water. This preplanning will go a long way to make the trip a safe one. During over -the -road movement, the driver should remember that he is not only handling living things but a commodity subject to damage. He should remember, too, that the animals are in a strange environment and that stress factors influence the behavior as well as the physical condition of his cargo. 12 Check Points for Safety Specific suggestions for safely mov- ing livestock over-the-road are made in the "Check Points for Safety" list that follows. Although many of these sug- gestions may appear obvious to those who regularly handle and transport livestock, they can not be overempha- sized. Drivers like others responsible for handling livestock should recognize that actions of people are the single most important factor in safe livestock handling. Planning the Trip ] Check all available routes from origin to destination and select the one which offers the safest travel from the standpoint of the animals. If it is necessary to go through large cities, select the least congested routes. ] Where necessary, make prior ar- rangements for stopping to give livestock feed, water, and rest. ] If using for-hire transportation, select a hauler with a reputation for careful handling. ] Schedule the trip so as to avoid delays and waits at destination. ] Check weather forecasts for infor- mation that will help determine how best to ventilate and bed the vehicle. ~] In hot weather, plan to load at some time other than in the heat of the day. 13 ] Use suggested safe loading stand- ards in determining how many ani- mals should be assembled for ship- ment in the size truck to be usedo The Truck Body ^] Be sure all nails are driven in and bolt ends recessed or sawed off flush. ]] Check carefully for rough, splin- tered, or split slats and sides. Repair or replace if possible. [""] See if the bed or floor is stable and has no obstructions or holes. Be sure it is clean and santitary. ~] Observe the roof of vans and covered trailers for general condition. Re- member that insulation underneath and reflective paint on the exterior provide extra protection, especially from heat. ^]Make sure the end gate works properly and easily. If it is hinged, see if there is a means to fasten it open. H Where the end gate is elevated, the bottom edge should be covered with protective coating or at least rounded. Collapsible end gates should fold outward toward the rear of the truck. [~] Check the positioning of double- decks. The top deck should be set so animals can enter the lower deck unimpeded and enter the top 14 deck without scraping or striking their backs against the roof. Top decks should be stable --not shaky. ~] Be sure built-in ventilators work and are properly adjusted. ~] If there are permanent dividers or if partitions are to be used, examine for nails, splinters, bolt ends, and unprotected edges. Be certain they operate efficiently and can be fas- tened securely. Loading and Unloading PI Examine sides of loading chutes for nails, bolt ends, rough tacky or splintered boards, and interior ob- structions which are not protected. ~2 Check cleats in ramps and replace if missing, broken, or badly worn. Observe the ramp floor for holes, protruding nails, and split boards. ] Critically check the surface where chute and catch pen meet. It should be smooth and free of obstructions. ] If there is a dock or platform, be sure it is stable, free of protruding objects, and protected by gates -- preferably adjustable ones. "1 If it is raining, snowing, or if surfaces of facilities are frosty or icy, take proper precautions to insure safe footing. Sand or other material will help if spread over the surface. Take it extra easy in handling the livestock! 15 ~]Sort and assemble shipment as far in advance as possible. Remember, too, animals travel better if feed and water are not given at the last minute before loading. Q Allow ample time to load. DON'T HURRY. Avoid exciting the live- stock. Excited animals bruise more easily and more severely. [Avoid the use of persuaders — canes, clubs, sticks, ' 'hot- shot s," prods, or whips. These can all cause bruises directly as a result of carcass impact and indirectly if the animals react in such way that they injure themselves. r~j Use partitions to separate the various species of livestock. Segregate bulls, horned animals, cripples, or animals needing special care. Where partitions aren't indicated because of limited numbers, tie the one or two "special handling" animals securely. p"|Load wisely. Don't "crowd your luck". Check the suggested safe loading guide on page 18 of this publication to be sure the number of animals loaded is in the safety zone. ^]Bed adequately and properly. Don't forget to bed the upper deck as carefully as the lower deck. ^] Adjust ventilation to suit prevailing weather conditions. 16 1 Try letting the animals load and unload themselves. Over-the-Road Movement 1 Start off easily and increase speed gradually. Give the animals a chance to get their bearing. It's a new experience for them! ] Take it easy on curves, turning corners, and ascending and de- scending grades. ] Try to avoid stops and starts. When they're necessary, make them carefully. Your cargo is fragile. "] Drive at a speed that gives a safe, comfortable trip from the live- stock's point of view. "1 On longer trips, make stops and inspect the load. Make adjustments and corrections on the spot, if possible. If the hazardous con- ditions can't be corrected, increase your caution and care the remain- der of the trip. [] Stay alert for trouble in the load. Stop as quickly as possible if you sense something is wrong. ~2 Make adjustments in ventilation if weather conditions change en route. 17 Suggested Loadings for Livestock Consider such factors as length-of- haul, class and condition of animals, road conditions, and weather in de- termining the exact number of animals to load. Always load a little "lighter" in hot weather. HOGS & CALYES Single-Deck Trucks Floor 100 150 175 200 225 250 Length lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. 8 ft 27 21 19 18 16 14 10 " 33 26 24 22 20 18 12 " 40 31 28 26 24 22 15 " 50 39 36 33 30 27 18 " 60 47 43 40 36 33 20 " 67 52 48 44 40 35 24 " 80 62 57 52 48 44 28 " 93 72 67 61 56 51 30 " 100 77 72 66 60 55 32 " 107 83 76 70 64 58 36 " 120 94 86 79 72 66 42 " 140 109 100 92 84 77 300 350 400 13 11 9 16 14 12 19 17 14 24 21 17 28 25 21 32 28 24 38 34 28 44 39 33 47 42 35 51 44 38 57 50 42 63 55 49 CATTLE Floor 450 Length lb. 8 ft 8 10 " 10 12 " 13 15 " 16 18 " 20 20 " 22 24 " 27 28 " 31 30 " 34 32 " 36 36 " 41 42 " 48 10 13 16 18 22 25 27 29 33 39 5 7 8 10 13 14 17 20 22 23 26 31 4 6 7 9 11 12 15 17 19 20 22 28 4 5 6 8 9 10 13 15 16 17 19 22 3 4 5 7 8 9 11 13 14 15 17 20 ^hese loading suggestions, based on loss and damage experience at major markets, furnished by Livestock Conservation, Inc., Chicago, 111. 18 18 16 23 20 28 24 34 30 41 36 46 40 55 48 64 56 68 60 73 64 82 72 96 80 HOGS & CALVES Divide Equally for Double-Deck Trucks Floor 100 150 175 200 225 250 300 350 400 Long* lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. 8 ft 43 33 31 29 27 24 21 10 " 53 41 38 36 33 30 26 12 " 63 50 46 43 40 36 31 15 " 79 62 56 54 50 45 39 18 " 95 75 70 65 60 55 46 20 " 105 83 77 72 67 61 52 24 " 127 100 93 87 80 73 62 28 " 148 116 109 101 93 86 73 30 " 158 125 116 108 100 91 78 32 " 169 133 130 115 107 97 83 36 " 190 150 140 130 120 110 94 42 " 220 172 164 151 142 128 109 SHEEP Suggested Load per Deck 8 ft 28 10 " 35 12 " 43 15 " 54 18 " 65 20 " 73 24 " 88 28 " 103 30 " 110 32 " 118 36 " 133 42 " 145 80 1b. 1001b. 1201b. 23 20 18 29 26 23 35 31 28 45 40 36 54 48 43 60 54 48 73 65 58 85 76 68 92 81 73 98 87 78 110 98 88 128 115 103 19 UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA lUJllJIIIllllllll 3 1262 08500 1948 Other Publications Available The following publications give de- tailed reports on much of the research on which this publication is based. Loss and Damage to Livestock in Transit in Midwestern and Western States. Marketing Research Report 247. Joseph E. Rickenbacker Causes of Losses in Trucking Live- stock. Marketing Research Report 261. Joseph E. Rickenbacker Handling Conditions and Practices Causing Bruises in Cattle. Market- ing Research Report 346. Joseph E. Rickenbacker Loss and Damage in Handling and Transporting Hogs. Marketing Re- search Report 447„ Joseph E. Rickenbacker Losses from Handling Sheep and Lambs. Marketing Re search Report 544. Joseph E. Rickenbacker Safety-Checking Handling Facilities to Reduce Livestock Losses. Infor- mation 28. Joseph E. Rickenbacker A copy of these publications may be obtained upon request while the supply lasts from — Information Division Farmer Cooperative Service U. S. Department of Agriculture Washington 25, D. C.