Welfare of cattle at local markets in Kaduna State: Handling and transportation - A major concern

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the welfare of cattle at local markets in Kaduna State based via means of transportation, loading and unloading methods, abusive behaviours by stake-holders and stress-related behaviours of cattle. Ten different villages within Kaduna State were each visited twice during their market days. During the visits, 700 cattle were observed during handling, means of transportation by road and the behavioural responses, and in addition photographs were taken. The result showed that the most common means by which the cattle were transported were in buses (60%) and cars (55%), followed by pick-ups (35%) and trucks (20%). There were no loading or unloading ramps in all the markets. The most common abusive behaviour was beating of cattle with stick or club (80%), closely followed by horn/neck pulling (60%) and neck twisting (50%); while the most common stress-related behaviour of the cattle was aggression (70%), followed by panting and repeated vocalisation (40% each). The results showed that the welfare of the cattle was compromised, which may adversely affect their health, productivity and meat quality. It was concluded that cattle transported and sold at various local markets in Kaduna State were abused, poorly and inhumanely handled, and transported by means not specifically meant for animal transportation.