Transport is a vital area in the delivery of clean lambs. Teagasc’s guideline document for sheep producers advises transporting animals in a clean, dry trailer with absorbent material on the floor. This is particularly important where animals are transported on decks, to absorb urine/faeces and prevent animals on the lower deck from becoming soiled.
Where animals are grazing lush, fresh grass, fasting for a period before transport will help in preventing fleece soiling. Pre-slaughter handling and stocking rates in trailers is also an important consideration to prevent carcase bruising. Young lambs are particularly susceptible to carcase bruising and should be handled with one hand under their neck and the other on the rump/tail.
Clean sheep policy lacks detail