ASSESSMENT OF PRELOADING OPERATIONS AND CONDITION OF CATTLE LOADED AT INTERNATIONAL CATTLE MARKET, IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

Loading and offloading exercise if not properly carried out with appropriate equipment can make cattle sustain injuries which can eventually make them emaciate and lose economic value. The study was carried out to assess the condition of cattle loaded for transportation in Akinyele international Cattle Market Ibadan for five consecutive weeks from 7.00am–7.00pm by direct observation with the aid of checklist, camera and recorder. Vehicle-type, ramp-usage, cattle status (standing-DbW or wheeled/carted-DbC) and body condition score-BCS of cattle were assessed. Data were analysed
using descriptive statistics (SPSS 20). The study revealed that six types of vehicles were used for transportation and all (100%) cattle were loaded without ramp. Articulated Nissan Cabster (67.7%) was mostly used for transportation while the least was (Articulated Short Trailer) (0.4%) popularly called Caster and single, respectively. A total of 8393 cattle was loaded and Sokoto Gudali was the highest (35.7%) while Kuri the least (6.3%). For cattle status, 38.4% male were delivery by walk (DbW) while 4.5% were delivery by cart (DbC). Also, 46.7% female were DbW while 10.4% were DbC. White Fulani had the highest for both male and female cattle DbC at 37.4% and 39.5%, and Kuri was least for male (3.2%) and female (6.3%). Of the total cattle loaded, 21.5% had 1-2-BCS while 78.5% had 3-5 (BCS). Emaciated females (BCS 1-2) were 15.4% while 6.06%) were males. Loading activities at the study area was inappropriate and some of the cattle transported were
observed to lack the stamina to be transportation.