FOETAL WASTAGE IN KANO CENTRAL ABATTOIR AND ITS IMPACT ON THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY

Abstract

The study was designed to determine the incidence of feotal wastage and its economic impacts in Kano central abattoir. Total cattle presented for slaughter, number of bulls and cows slaughtered and number of condemned foetuses were recorded on daily basis for one month. The results revealed that 64.28% and 35.72% of the cattle slaughtered during the study period were cows and bulls respectively. Out of the percentage of cows slaughtered, 7.5% were pregnant and their foetuses were wasted. Furthermore, the study revealed that there was one case of foetal wastage for every thirty three (1:33) cows slaughtered. This wastage may lead huge depletion of future reproductive stock which is disastrous to the future of livestock industry in meeting beef and milk demand of the teaming population. The estimated financial losses accrued were ₦3,944,000.00 monthly translating to annual economic loss of ₦47,280,000.00 which is enormous for the State bear. The finding urges for urgent action to be put in place to checkmate the marketing and slaughter of pregnant cattle in the State. Cattle marketers, rearers, butchers and consumers should be sensitized on the financial and health implications of pregnant cows slaughter and foetus handling in transmitting zoonotic diseases.