Vehicle Ventilation

The vast majority of livestock vehicles rely on natural ventilation to dissipate heat and moisture from animals.

Air flow

Air flow in a moving vehicle is from back to front.

Hot spot

The hot spot is immediately behind the cab on the lower deck.

Cross winds

Cross winds can assist ventilation in a stationary vehicle on a windy day.

Closed flaps

When the vehicle is in motion on warm and humid days, provided the ventilation openings are large, close all but the rear and front flaps on both sides. This will increase the ventilation rate. Remember to open all the flaps again when stationary to permit cross winds.

To limit heat stress:

• Optimise ventilation.
• Reduce stocking density.
• Travel in the coolest time of the day.
• Keep the vehicle moving.

If weather conditions suggest there is a risk of heat or cold stress, it is essential to inspect the animals regularly during the journey and to recognise the signs of thermal stress.

Summary

• Reduce the risk of heat or cold stress by optimising the ventilation.
• Inspect the animals regularly and recognise the signs of thermal stress.
• Where possible, use rectal temperature to determine if thermal stress is present.

The biggest risk to livestock is a combination of high temperature and high humidity.