Shrinkage is the amount of weight an animal loses during sorting, transporting, standing, weighing, or any situation that may cause a degree of stress. It is the difference between the gross body weight before handling and the net sale weight. Shrinkage represents a loss in value. There are two physical types of shrinkage. 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.