Foetal Wastage and Disease Prevalence among Slaughtered Livestock at Zaria Abattoir

1Mohammed, A., Modu-Kagu, H.A., 2Balami, S.I, Hickson, S. and 2Raji, A.O.

1Department of Animal Science, Borno State University P.M.B. 1122 Maiduguri, Borno State.
2Department of Animal Science, University of Maiduguri P.M.B 1069 Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria

*Corresponding author: banayeyya@yahoo.com, doi.org/10.55639/607.4151


ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine foetal wastage and disease prevalence among slaughtered livestock (cattle, camels, sheep and goats) in Zaria Abattoir as affected by species and season. These losses pose a great threat to the future population of Nigerian livestock. Records from the year 2009 to 2012 were collected from the management of Zaria Abattoir. The record includes; the number of animals slaughtered monthly, monthly foetal losses, disease incidence and organs infected and the most predominant disease found among slaughtered animals. A total of 4,675 female animals were slaughtered in the Abattoir, with a total of 339 foetuses recovered in 2012. Statistically, there is no significant difference (P>0.05) between species, however, there is statistical significance (P<0.05) of the season on the diseases prevalent. The highest number of foetal wastage was observed in the month of July with 42% and February had the lowest value of 17%. Fascioliasis had the highest mean value of disease prevalence (63.13%) and mastitis had the lowest mean value (0.06%).The wet season (31.36%) recorded the highest occurrence of foetal wastage than the dry season (12.84%). To achieve high production and have a sustainable livestock industry capable of meeting the nutritional demands of Nigerians, remedial measures have to be taken to stop the liquidation of pregnant female animals through the slaughtering of pregnant animals. It is, therefore, recommended that ante-mortem inspection should be conducted to identify pregnant and diseased animals before slaughter.

Keywords:

Abattoir,
Sex,
Effect,
Breed,
Species