The revised fit to load guide: what’s changed?

Meat and Livestock Australia’s – ‘Is the animal fit to load?’ guide has recently been revised (May 2019).

In this presentation, join Ted Parish (previously MLA’s Adoption Manager – Northern Beef) and Queensland cattle producer Russell Lethbridge when they talk through the new guide and in particular:

• what has changed, and
• what it means for producers, consignors and transporters.

The 2019 edition contains additional information on:

• clear roles and responsibilities for consignors and transporters
• clear checklists to assess whether an animal is fit to load
• managing effluent
• loading densities
• transporting bobby calves
• using a firearm or captive bolt for euthanasia

You can watch the full recording or use the playlist below to jump to the start of a particular section within the presentation.  31:04, published 26 July 2019 by FutureBeefAu.

Is it fit to load playlist

1. Is the animal ‘Fit to Load’ what’s changed?
2. Why animal welfare matters
3. Roles and responsibilities for producers and consignors
4. Transporting bobby calves
5. Using firearms/captive bolt devices
6. Managing effluent and loading densities
7. Loading densities
8. The checklist
9. Animals unfit to load – examples of animals that cannot walk or stand normally
10. Animals unfit to load – examples of sick or injured animals
11. Animals unfit to load – examples of animals with eye diseases or injuries
12. Animals unfit to load – examples of animals that are emaciated, dehydrated or weak
13. Next steps…
14. Summary
15. Conclusion – T.R.A.I.N.
16. Closing comments on ‘Fit to Load’ – Russell Lethbridge (producer and transport operator)

Download a copy of the presentation:  Is the Animal Fit to Load – what’s changed (PDF, 1.8 MB)

Additional resources

To download the guide or order a hard copy, visit: mla.com.au/isitfittoload →

Land transport – Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines →