Fall is here and many calves in Oklahoma are being weaned, which means it's time to load 'em up and haul 'em out. But there is a right and safe way to do it.

Cattle producers tend to underestimate the stress and subsequent sickness that can be imposed on cattle when improperly loaded, said Kent Barnes, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension area livestock specialist.

"Every type and size of beef animal possible will be moved on every type and size of trailer imaginable," Barnes said.

As a result, some cattle producers find it difficult to determine the "right fit" in loading numbers of animals onto their trailers for transport.

"Each square foot of trailer space can hold about 65 pounds of calf weighing between 350 pounds to 600 pounds," Barnes said.

For example, one can safely load and haul about 17 450-pound calves in a stock trailer measuring 6 feet by 20 feet. Each calf requires 6.92 sq. ft. of space (450 pounds divided by 65 pounds equals 6.92). In this particular trailer, there are 120 sq. ft. available for hauling (120 divided by 6.92 equals 17.33).

"The general recommendation is that 75 pounds of cattle per square foot can be safely hauled," Barnes said. "Typically, though, the exact weight of cattle being loaded is unknown."

Barnes recommends the following tips to ensure cattle safety during transportation:

--Use partitions to separate different classes and weights of cattle transported on the same trailer.

--Make certain that the floor of the trailer provides cattle with good footing. This will reduce shrinkage and injury.

--Check trailer load regularly during the trip.

--Accelerate vehicle smoothly and avoid sudden stops.

"One thing to remember is that when properly loaded, animals will fit easily into the compartment for hauling but the entire area will appear to be occupied," Barnes said.