During the past half century, animal production has in- creased in developing countries [1] and transport of ani- mals for slaughter and breeding is increasing due to the global marketing system and structural adjustments [2]. Pre-transport conditioning, time in transit, distance trav- elled, 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 live- stock during transport and handling. Vehicle design, stock- ing density on vehicles, journey duration, time of feeding, mortality and weather conditions, among others are fac- tors that affect slaughter animals’ welfare [4]. According to Gebresenbet [5], animal welfare during transport could be improved by these two strategic alternatives: 1) mini- mising stress inducing factors through improving animal logistics system and handling methods (improve handl- ing, facilities for loading and unloading, driving perfor-