Report 234: MV Brahman Express - Cattle exported to Indonesia in February 2023

Livestock: 3,545 cattle

Vessel: MV Brahman Express

Loading location and date: Townsville, 28 February 2023

Vessel departure location and date: Townsville, 28 February 2023

Discharge location and dates: Jakarta, Indonesia, 10 March 2023; Panjang, Indonesia, 11 to 12 March 2023

Voyage length: 13 days

Independent Observer (observer): Boarded at Townsville and remained onboard until completion of discharge.

Voyage mortality rate: There were no mortalities on this voyage.

Notifiable mortality rate required to trigger a mortality investigation: 0.5% for cattle

This report summarises key observations of the implementation and effectiveness of exporter arrangements to ensure the health and welfare of livestock. The report has been approved by the observer who accompanied the voyage.

Exporter documentation

The observer reported no issues regarding exporter documentation.

Loading

There were no issues noted by the observer at loading, and exporter arrangements relating to loading were appropriate and effective in managing livestock health and welfare.

Personnel

Based on observations made during this voyage, the exporter arrangements relating to personnel were appropriate and effective in managing livestock health and welfare. The night watchman was observed checking livestock, water bowls and feed troughs.

Daily routine

Based on observations made during this voyage, the exporter arrangements relating to daily routine were appropriate and effective in managing livestock health and welfare.

Feed and water

Based on observations made during this voyage, the exporter arrangements relating to feed and water were appropriate and effective in managing livestock health and welfare.

Ventilation

On day 4 of the voyage, the observer measured that the maximum wet bulb temperature on Deck 2 was up to 2 degrees higher (29°C) than the maximum wet bulb temperature reported by the accredited stockperson (27°C). The observer reported that there were no negative health or welfare implications for cattle.

Based on observations made during this voyage, the exporter arrangements relating to ventilation were appropriate and effective in managing livestock health and welfare.

Pen conditions

Based on observations made during this voyage, the exporter arrangements relating to pen conditions were appropriate and effective in managing livestock health and welfare.

Health and welfare

1. The accredited stockperson identified two animals as lame due to minor injuries incurred during loading. The animals were transferred to a hospital pen for treatment.
2. A further eight animals were treated for lameness and two animals were treated for being shy feeders.

Discharge

1. During discharge in Panjang, two cattle were observed to be trampled by one animal reversing back up the ramp. The situation was quickly rectified by the accredited stockperson and no more issues were observed.
2. Based on observations made during this voyage, the exporter arrangements relating to discharge were appropriate and effective in managing livestock health and welfare.

No adverse animal health and welfare outcomes arising from exporter arrangements were observed, and no regulatory action was taken for this voyage.