Bobby calves being transported for sale or slaughter must be at least five days old, have been adequately fed milk or milk replacer within six hours of transport and must be in a fit and healthy condition, Agriculture Victoria has warned.
In a message to the entire supply chain, the authority said bobby calves must also be adequately protected from the cold during transport and must be able to lie down on their chest during transportation.
Agriculture Victoria program manager for livestock welfare compliance Dr Rachael Holmes said it was important that everyone responsible ensured that calves under their care were adequately supervised
"During cold weather, extra measures should be taken to ensure that calves are protected from rain, wind and temperature extremes both on-farm and during transportation," Dr Holmes said.
"It is also essential that calves are handled with care, they must not be lifted by their head, ears, tail, hair or by a single leg.
"Calves may also become easily fatigued, so it is important that anyone handling calves is patient."
Dr Holmes said bobby calves should be transported in a trailer or crate that had an enclosed front for protection and ideally had appropriate material on the floor of the trailer to reduce slipping.
"Everyone along the supply chain including producers, transporters, scale operators, livestock agents and saleyard and abattoir staff are responsible for the welfare of bobby calves," Dr Holmes said.
"Anyone handling calves should also note that it is prohibited in Victoria to use an electric prodder on calves, regardless of whether or not the electric prodder is active.
"Anyone who uses or places an electric prodder on a bobby calf can face an infringement penalty of $545 or prosecution. The use of any dog, including muzzled dogs, to move bobby calves is also prohibited."
For further information regarding bobby calf welfare visit Agriculture Victoria's website or phone 136 186.
