Welfare outcomes for livestock transported on Northern Isles ferry routes

Introduction

4. This project has been commissioned by the Scottish Government Animal Welfare team to inform consideration of possible future changes to animal transport legislation and how journey time at sea should be treated, following a recommendation by the UK Farm Animal Welfare Committee that this should be reviewed.

Background & Context

5. Large numbers of cattle and sheep are traditionally transported from Orkney and Shetland to Aberdeen by sea, particularly in the autumn when animals born earlier in the year are moved for rearing on the mainland. These movements are essential to the economic viability of livestock production in the Northern Isles, allowing young animals to be reared at grass during the long daylight periods in the summer months then moved for further rearing and finishing on the mainland before the onset of poor winter conditions. A specific livestock “cassette” system was designed and introduced 20 years ago to provide suitable arrangements for bedding, drainage, feed and water, ventilation and inspection for animals carried on roll-on/roll-off freight ferries, to replace the previous arrangements for dedicated livestock vessels. The time in the cassette system, typically up to 14 hours, has been classed as “neutral time” rather than rest or travel time for the purposes of livestock transport legislation, but this interpretation was questioned following a visit to Aberdeen in 2018 by the UK Farm Animal Welfare Committee, who recommended it should be reviewed and classed as a form of travel time as part of their Opinion on the Welfare of Animals during Transport published in April 2000. FAWC opinion on the welfare of animals during transport: SG response - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

6. The outcome of ferry journeys in the cassette system for animals in different weather and sea conditions has been monitored by APHA and local authority inspectors since it was introduced and is believed to be generally acceptable, although anecdotally animals can sometimes appear tired when they arrive after particularly rough crossings. Basic temperature recording was undertaken when the system was first introduced. However more formalised monitoring of the temperature within the cassettes, humidity and vessel movements experienced by the animals during different weather and sea states and any effect of these on the condition and behaviour of animals after arrival on these commercial journeys would provide more reliable information to inform a review of the “neutral time” interpretation. There is limited research on the effect of sea vessel movements on ruminants elsewhere although this does suggest possible digestive tract discomfort and effects on posture in sheep in some conditions.

7. The Scottish Government response to the FAWC Opinion stated that “The Scottish Government will consider reviewing the concept of “neutral time” for animals transported unloaded in conditions equivalent to farm accommodation in livestock vessels or cassette systems, taking into account the practical experience gained in operating the cassette system in Scotland over many years and any relevant future research.” The transport of livestock by sea from the Northern Isles is regarded as essential for the sector so anything that would disrupt this trade or involve additional costs is highly sensitive.

Lots

This procurement was divided into 1 lots, each awarded separately. 3 bids were received in total.

Government spending data: This supplier has received £60,571,953 in 281 payments (over £25k) from Scottish Government, UKRI, DEFRA, Met Office, UKRI GPC (2016-05-12 to 2026-01-28). View full payment history →

Tender Documents

• Welfare outcomes for livestock transported on Northern Isles ferry routes → — Contract notice
• CR/2022/12 - ITT →
• Welfare outcomes for livestock transported on Northern Isles ferry routes → — Award notice

Buyer contact

Buyer website

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Published by the buyer on this notice. Check the original notice — details change and are not updated here.