Cattle exported to Indonesia and Malaysia in May 2024
August 2024
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Report 245: Independent Observer summary report on MV Friesian Express in May 2024 (PDF 407 KB)
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Livestock: 1,773 cattle
Vessel: MV Friesian Express
Loading location: Darwin
Discharge locations:
- Belawan, Indonesia
- Pasir Gudang, Malaysia
Voyage length: 12 days
Independent Observer: Boarded at Darwin and remained onboard until completion of discharge.
Voyage mortality rate: 0.11% (2 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
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 on days 2 and 3 of the voyage, no cattle were fed chaff. From days 4 to 12 of the voyage, approximately 15% of the cattle in the consignment were fed chaff and the remaining cattle were not. 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.
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.