Cattle exported to Indonesia in March 2024
August 2024
Download
Report 244: Independent Observer summary report on MV Ocean Ute in March 2024 (PDF 418 KB)
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.
Livestock: 4,716 cattle
Vessel: MV Ocean Ute
Loading location: Townsville
Discharge location: Panjang, Indonesia
Voyage length: 14 days
Independent Observer: Boarded at Townsville and remained onboard until completion of discharge.
Voyage mortality rate: 0.21% (10 mortalities). These mortalities are unlikely to be linked to any systemic failure by the exporter
Notifiable mortality rate: 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
One of the cattle was identified to have fractured a leg during the loading process and was euthanised. This was reported to the observer.
Based on observations made during this voyage, the 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.
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
The observer noted that cattle were not fed chaff on days 13 and 14 during discharge. The Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) requires that at least 1% of the required feed is chaff or hay. No adverse effects on animal health and welfare were observed as a result of chaff not being fed.
Ventilation and voyage conditions
No adverse effects on animal health and welfare were observed as a result of the temperatures throughout the voyage.
The observer recorded temperatures at known hotspots near the engine room on Decks 3 and 4. The observer noted these were 1°C to 2°C higher than other sections of those decks. No adverse effects on animal health and welfare were observed in cattle due to temperatures in pens surrounding the engine room.
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
No systemic issues observed.
Discharge
Based on observations made during this voyage, the exporter arrangements relating to discharge were appropriate and effective in managing livestock health and welfare.