7. Farm to Processor 7.1 Pre-transport Owners or their agents have a responsibility to select, prepare and present for loading only those animals fit for the intended journey. Transport operators have a responsibility to accept for transport only those animals that appear fit for the intended journey. Specific requirements for some species are also found in relevant codes of welfare (e.g. dairy cattle, deer, sheep and beef cattle). The preparation of animals for transport can include consideration of special feed, water and rest requirements and training or acclimation to transport and can involve procedures immediately prior to transport such as the provision of compounds or medicines to assist animals to cope with transport. In some cases physical processes may be required. Appropriate preparation means preparation that is of a type and duration appropriate for the species, the condition of the animals, anticipated weather or other travel conditions, the mode of transport and the history of the animals. Examples of preparation include resting after assembly and prior to loading, familiarisation with particular types or sources of food or water, familiarisation with handling or presence of handlers, emptying out (standing off green feed), treatment to minimise metabolic complications, or husbandry procedures such as shoe removal, covering with a rug or other cover, or placing protective devices on horn tips. Special requirements are provided in species-specific codes of welfare where these have been developed or information is available from industry organisations. Requirements for standing livestock off green feed to limit effluent production during travel are given in the Industry Code of Practice for the Minimisation of Stock Effluent Spillage from Trucks on Roads (by the National Stock Effluent Working Group) which can be found here: www.rcaforum.org.nz/working-groups/stock-effluent Removal of food from animals for extended periods of time (normally more than 24 hours) activates their fat reserves. Animals in poor condition prior to transport (such as cull animals) have lower fat reserves and are less able to withstand food withdrawal prior to transport. For further information on Fitness of Livestock for Transport including Veterinary Declaration visit: www.nzva.org.nz
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