LETHBRIDGE, Alta. – A research project in Alberta has revealed cows get stressed out over transportation.

The early results likely won’t surprise most cattle haulers.

Lethbridge beef researcher Gerry Mears says, “The ability to objectively measure stress in cattle would allow producers to cut production costs and losses associated with stress by altering management practices to minimize stressful situations.”

During the initial stages of the study, Mears found there were high cortisol concentrations and heart rates in cattle after a three-hour truck ride. Other stressful times include weaning, relocation, diet changes, branding, and, not surprisingly, castration.