Incidence of Fetal Loss among Cattle, Sheep and Goats Slaughtered in Zuru Metropolis

Abstract

A total of eight hundred and ninety two (892) animals which includes cattle, sheep and goats were used to study the incidence of fetal loss in Zuru, Kebbi state, Nigeria. The study considered metropolitan slaughterhouse located in Rafin Zuru and a slaughter slab in Rikoto area for the study. The data was collected for twelve (12) weeks using a format containing information on the species and number of animals slaughtered, sex and pregnant status, number and sex of the fetuses observed from the pregnant slaughter. These were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The results revealed a total slaughter of 97 (10.87%) cattle, 202 (22.65%) sheep and 593 (66.48%) goats. From the total slaughter, there were 30 (30.93%) bulls, 67 (69.07%) cows, 80 (39.60%) rams, 122 (60.40%) ewes (female sheep), 384 (64.75%) bucks (male goat) and 209 (35.25%) does (female goats) slaughter. Among the female slaughter, there were 32 (47.76) pregnant and 35 (52.24%) non-pregnant cows, 79 (64.75%) pregnant and 43 (35.25%) non-pregnant ewes, 146 (69.86%) pregnant and 63 (30.14%) non-pregnant does slaughtered in the metropolis during the period of the study. A total of 32 (8.58%) calves, 85 (22.79%) lambs and 256 (68.63%) kid fetuses were recorded due to pregnant slaughter in the metropolis. Among the fetuses, 10 (31.25%) males and 22 (68.75%) female calves, 33 (38.82%) males and 52 (61.18%) female lamb, 100 (39.06%) males and 156 (66.03%) female kid fetuses were observed. In the future, the loss of fetuses due to slaughter of pregnant animals could pose a serious challenge to animal population and food security in the metropolis. Therefore, suggesting sound policies and legislations to reshuffle livestock marketing and abattoir operations in order to check fetal loss due to pregnant slaughter.