Livestock Monitoring System in long distance transport

Control of animal transport over long distances is a big problem in the EU. The European Commission has taken a number of actions to ensure appropriate conditions for such operations. One of the most important documents is the Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport. The document sets out the guidelines on how to transport the animals, and introduces the obligation to use satellite navigation systems by those livestock transport companies who provide long term transports (above 8 hours). However, according to studies, most of the companies do not fully utilise the potential and possibilities given by such systems. To meet the requirements of the European Union, Hertz Systems developed a livestock monitoring system that allows real time monitoring of such transports. The solution can be integrated with other vehicle subsystems and transport information such as fuel consumption, temperature conditions, water level control etc. Market analysis has shown, that there is a need for a system dedicated specifically to livestock monitoring during transport. In addition to basic functions as included in regular fleet monitoring systems, sensors mounted within the truck will allow the welfare of the animals to be monitored. A related journey log reporting module generates the required transport reports faster and easier and the connection with other vehicles systems allows additional functionalities supporting the reduction of fuel consumptions as well as better route planning. All these features are intended to reduce operational cost of the transport companies. The analysis showed that companies are very interested in a system which meets all their quality requirements and offers additional functions allowing the reduction of costs arising from the vehicle exploitation.