In a significant advancement for animal welfare, Professor Sandip S. Patil along with his team from Guru Gobind Singh College of Engineering and Research Centre, Nashik, has developed a modular and adjustable cattle transport cage. Supported by the DST-SEED (Science for Equity, Empowerment, and Development) program, this innovation is aimed at ensuring safer and more humane transport of cattle in rural areas and small towns across India.
Currently, cattle are often transported in open or poorly fitted trucks, exposing them to high levels of stress, injury, and even fatal accidents. These outdated methods not only compromise animal welfare but also pose serious challenges for farmers and transporters, often leading to violations of legal norms.
The newly developed cage offers a practical solution with its flexible design that can be adapted to different types of vehicles. It features a telescopic sliding frame that adjusts to vehicle size, a foldable ramp that also functions as a door, and a roller-assisted mechanism for smooth movement and easy operation.
A cross-linked mesh frame enhances structural strength while ensuring adequate airflow. The design has been rigorously tested using field surveys, farmer feedback, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to ensure proper ventilation and overall efficiency.
This user-friendly cage simplifies cattle handling for small-scale farmers, reduces animal stress during transit, and aligns with current animal welfare regulations—potentially protecting transporters from legal issues. Its ability to accommodate double-storey configurations also makes it suitable for transporting larger numbers of cattle.
Beyond transportation, the system can be effectively used in dairies, Gaushalas, veterinary operations, and for other short-distance livestock movements. By reducing injuries, minimizing labor, and encouraging humane treatment of animals, the innovation holds the potential to bring long-term benefits to farming communities.
The design has already received recognition with two Indian patents in 2024 for its modular and double-storey versions. A successful trial was conducted in Ambad Village, Nashik, and plans are underway to scale up the initiative through CSR partnerships and broader implementation efforts across the country.
