To develop appropriate standards and legislation within EU, to improve cattle welfare and meat quality, it is necessary and essential to obtain adequate scientific data on the handling and transport (handling at the farms, loading, transport, unloading and lairage).

The purpose of the project is to gather sufficient data and to develop methods for controlling and minimising stress inducing factors during handling and transport of cattle. It is also aimed to develop guidelines and recommendation for end-users, such as meat and vehicle industries and the policy makers, to improve animal welfare and meat quality on the European level.

This can be fulfilled through optimisation of design of handling areas, transport vehicles, and transport-associated conditions, and by promoting an IT-supported effective logistic system. Emphasis will be given to vibration, transport time, air quality, and development of a surveillance system for environment in the box and driving performance, which also collect and store data.