Process of exporting livestock
The planning for breeding and supply of animals can begin up to three years ahead of export. Once livestock has been selected for export they follow a tightly coordinated process bound by timeframes and export protocols.
1. The importer identifies their need
- Arranges a quarantine facility in their country
- Obtains an import permit related to the facility and region
2. The importer connects with an export company
- Contract for x number of cattle of specific breed and type
- Source the cattle to meet the order
3. Livestock agents are involved in two ways
- They help farmer clients find a market for their livestock who may receive a premium of 20-50%+ over the domestic market if they are eligible for export
- They help exporters meet their customers’ requirements
4. Once animals have been identified
- The export company inspects animals and identifies which ones are suitable, meeting the breed, type and weight requirements and a contract is offered to the farmer
5. AsureQuality technicians and veterinarians perform testing of animals on farms
- To qualify them to go into pre-export isolation facilities
- Include TB testing and blood tests
6. Transport operators bring the animals to pre-export isolation facilities
- The pre-export isolation facilities are run by competent farmers with the scope and teams of staff capable of looking after large numbers of animals
- Livestock spend four to five and sometimes up to six weeks in quarantine at the pre-isolation facility before they are transported to the ship
- During their quarantine period, animals are kept away from all other livestock and are examined, tested and treated accordingly.
- In their last week before departure they are adapted to the diet they will be fed during their journey internationally and inspected and drafted into groups based on bodyweight.
7. Transport operators transport the animals from the facilities to the ship
8. Animals are loaded onto the ships and the crew who will be responsible for their care during transit arrive
- Veterinarians are on every shipment
- Stock handlers are on board at a ratio of one for every 1400 cattle
9. The ship sets sail and depending on the destination the voyage usually takes around 16 to 18 days
10. Once the ship arrives and is cleared to dock at the port, officials from the destination country come on board the ship to inspect the cattle
11. When they are satisfied with the condition of the animals they are unloaded and transported to their quarantine facility
