FOETAL WASTAGE OF FOOD ANIMALS (CATTLE, SHEEP AND GOAT) SLAUGHTERED IN KANO MAIN ABATTOIR

Abstract

A 3-months active abattoir surveillance study was carried out to determine the foetal wastage of food animal slaughtered in Kano Main Abattoir. The results in this study showed that more female goats 2874 (72.55%), sheep 2138 (78.14%) and cattle 3032 (70.94%) respectively were slaughtered than males of goat 1087 (10.87%), sheep598 (21.85%) and cattle 1242 (29.03%) respectively. Of the slaughtered does, ewes and dams 8.94%, 10.52% and 2.86% respectively were detected to be pregnant. The result of this study demonstrated cases of foetal wastage due to slaughter of pregnant animals. Furthermore, this practice further reduces the availability of animal protein for Kano City populace. It is therefore suggested that suitable measures including legislation enforcement, capacity building on pregnancy diagnosis for abattoir staff be put in place to regulate the slaughter of pregnant stock. Traders and livestock owners should be informed on the implication on foetal losses and sustainability of meat production associated with continued slaughtering of female and pregnant animals.