SLAUGHTER OF PREGNANT COWS AND FOETAL WASTAGES: A CASE STUDY A MODERN ABATTOIR IN DAMATURU, YOBE STATE

Abstract

There is paucity of information on the level at which pregnant cows are being slaughtered and foetuses being wasted at the Damaturu Modern Abattoir. Consequently, a study was designed to assess the level of this scenario. Using a structured questionnaire, a two-year (2021 – 2022) slaughter data was collected from the abattoir records and subjected to descriptive analysis (frequencies and percentages). Results showed that in 2021, a total of 2,589 heads of cattle were slaughtered out of which 1,438 were females with 112 (7.79%) at various stages of pregnancy. In the subsequent year, 2022, the total slaughter figure was 2,797 comprising of 1,693 females and 1,104 males among which are 148 (8.74%) pregnant cows. It was therefore concluded that the menace of slaughter of pregnant cows and foetal wastages also exists in Damaturu Modern Abattoir. Although the prevalence is low compared to that in other abattoirs and slaughter houses across the country, there is need for government to institute measures for mitigating the occurrence with a view to ensuring adequate animal welfare and improved cattle production in the study area.