Camels dislike the hollow sound made by transportable loading ramps. It is preferable to cover such ramps with sand prior to loading.
Camels must be drafted in to similar sizes prior to loading. Bulls when they are fully in rut and cows in the final stages of pregnancy are not to be sent to the abattoir. CameIs are group penned.
| Stocking Densities During Transport | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 5m deck | 12.2m deck | (both 2.44m wide) | |
| Yearlings | 12 | 26 | |
| 250 - 300 kg | 10 | 22 | |
| 350 - 400 kg | 9 | 20 | |
| 500 + kg | 8 | 18 | |
Road Transport
Camels will normally sit down when being transported. Sufficient room must be available for all camels to sit. Failure to do so will result in camels sitting on one another and falling over which causes entwining. During transportation camels will sit for several hours at one time.Cross cleats must be removed from trucks and the floor covered totally with hay, straw or sand. Failure to do so will injure the pedestal and the pads on the legs.
Camels may be transported for up to 3 days in suitably constructed transports which provide shade and allow daily feeding. Water is not essential but desirable. It is often preferable to leave the camels in the truck versus unloading and loading.
Due to their height, camels must only be transported in single deck trailers with a clearance sufficient for them to stand comfortably (normally 2.4m).
Camels must have a least 150mm clearance over their heads during transport.
Rail Transport
The above conditions for road transport equally apply to rail transport.
In addition, the opening above the wall slats in rail vans must be closed either by mesh or by well attached shade cloth, hessian or timber. Failure to do so will allow camels to protrude their necks in an attempt to see where they are travelling. Injury or decapitation may result.
Loading and Unloading
It is preferable to allow for these procedures to be carried out in daylight hours, even where artificial lighting is provided.After a long journey (1,000kms or more) it can be beneficial to leave the truck or trailer parked at the unloading ramp with gates open and go and boil the billy. Most times the camels will walk off at their own pace with no stress.
