During the past half century, animal production has increased in developing countries [1] and transport of animals for slaughter and breeding is increasing due to the global marketing system and structural adjustments [2]. Pretransport conditioning, time in transit, distance travelled, environmental conditions, and lairage at the slaugh- terhouse are all components of transportation that may negatively affect stress levels and diminish the economic value of the animals and the meat products [3].
There are growing concerns, about the welfare of livestock during transport and handling. Vehicle design, stock- ing density on vehicles, journey duration, time of feeding, mortality and weather conditions, among others are factors that affect slaughter animals’ welfare [4]. According to Gebresenbet [5], animal welfare during transport could be improved by these two strategic alternatives: 1) minimising stress inducing factors through improving animal logistics system and handling methods (improve handling, facilities for loading and unloading, driving perfor-