The first is excretory shrinkage. Excretory shrinkage is the loss of contents in the belly, digestive tract and bladder. This type of shrinkage is common and occurs during the first few hours of transport, or when cattle are taken off food and water. Small amounts of excretory shrinkage do not harm animals. Acceptable levels of excretory shrinkage are from two to six per cent of initial live weight.
Livestock usually recover quickly from excretory shrinkage once provided with rest, food, and water.
The second type of shrinkage is tissue shrinkage. Livestock will suffer tissue shrinkage when the belly, digestive tract and bladder are empty and the animal is dehydrated. The body will then start compensating for the loss by drawing moisture and nutrients from the carcass tissues. Tissue shrinkage occurs as a result of extensive sorting, standing, trucking or when cattle are held off feed and water for long periods of time. This type of shrinkage has a detrimental effect on the immediate health and recovery of the animal.