Agriculture Victoria specialist Kristie Anderson said the transport of cattle, sheep or goats involved rules and regulations across a number of agencies.
The new ‘Transporting livestock responsibilities and recommendations' webpage provides everything farmers need to know from market expectations to curfews, animals being fit to load, planning the journey and getting the paperwork right.
"If you're selling livestock, either for slaughter, over-the-hooks, to the saleyard or in a private sale, it's important to consider whether the stock meet your customer's requirements," Anderson said.
"Meeting market specifications can lead to higher prices compared to selling stock that is outside the specifications and can help to create a good relationship with your supply chain."
The new resource includes links to information relating to market specifications such as age or dentition, weight, fat or condition scores, withholding periods, Livestock Production Assurance, Meat Standards Australia (MSA) and other quality assurance program information.
Producers, stock agents and transporters can access curfew advice and information as well as links to MSA handling requirements and standards to better understand specific supply chains.
"Good preparation can ensure better animal welfare, minimise transport-related losses and can support better eating quality outcomes," Anderson said.
For more information visit https://bit.ly/2Hrq9XN
