Loading and Unloading Ramps

Loading and unloading livestock onto or off a vehicle can be the most stressful part of animal transportation. It is important that loading and unloading is performed in a quiet and competent manner. Few animals are transported enough times to become familiar with the process and even the calmest animal can become stressed and flighty when transported.

Loading and unloading facilities typically need to be compatible with a range of vehicles. This will mean that some premises may need to have more than one loading or unloading ramp. Whilst a gentle incline is appropriate for loading bays, unloading bays should always aim for the ramp created by the tailgate and the unloading bay to be as level as possible.

There is a variety of different designs for unloading bays. These range from flat concrete or raised steps (Figure 1) to more complex designs which have hydraulic systems that move up or down depending on the height of the lorry (Figure 2).

Figure 1	Figure 2

Figure 3 is an example of a ramp designed to cater to a range of vehicle sizes and to provide a relatively level surface when the tailgate is dropped.

Figure 3

Whatever design is used, the side gates should provide a secure barrier and preferably be solid in construction to prevent distractions.

Specific requirements for loading bays

Loading bays should be raised so that animals need only walk up a slight slope onto the vehicle. If the angle is over 10° the tailgate should have foot battens. EU regulations require that vehicle ramp angles should be no more than 20° for pigs, calves and horses, and no more than 26° 34 minutes for sheep and cattle.

Specific requirements for unloading bays

Unloading bays should be designed so that fixed ramps are no steeper than 20°. The unloading area should be secure and provide a wide, clear, straight path from the vehicle to the pen where the animals are to be held. There should only ever be one clear and obvious route for the animals to travel down, which is free of non-essential personnel and other distractions. With some species, such as cattle, it is advisable to have the loading ramp slightly offset from the entrance to the raceway. This slows the animals down as they come off the vehicle and they are therefore less likely to injure themselves or others.

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