This study was undertaken as a result of the recommendations from the reports “Research into Cattle Deaths and Illness during Sea Transport from Australia” and “Shipboard Mortality Study - Phase 2” published in 1999 that identified the need for further investigation to determine the cause(s) of cattle deaths and illness during sea transportation.

This study was undertaken as a result of the recommendations from the reports “Research into Cattle Deaths and Illness during Sea Transport from Australia” and “Shipboard Mortality Study - Phase 2” published in 1999 that identified the need for further investigation to determine the cause(s) of cattle deaths and illness during sea transportation.

The aim of the study was to improve the welfare of cattle during sea transport and recommendations include: seasonally adjusting/restricting the transportation and loading densities of cattle, the modification of pens to reduce leg injuries and that the development of heat stress management plans for individual vessels.