EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PRE-HANDLING TECHNIQUES AND WELFARE PRACTICES OF CATTLE FOR TRANSPORTATION IN ZANGO MARKET, BUKURU, JOS, PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

Attention to the welfare of animals prior to transportation and observation of humane handling practices is important not only to consumers but also to meat production industry: inadequate transport condition can result in higher moralities and meat quality problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the pre-handling and welfare practices for transportation with special focus on cattle flaw and from zango market. Information and data were collected using a well structured questionnaire and random sampling techniques was employed to cover transporters, animals handlers, lower, sellers and miyyyeitti Allah ( Kungiyan Fulani). Face to face interview was conducted and physical observations were made on handling and welfare practices to ensure compliance with best practices. The study indicated that pre-handling and welfare practices of cattle for transportation were compromised. The animals were restrained (85%) using manual method (rope and sticks) and were whipped and lashed. The animals handlers beat or bend animals tails forcefully if the animal refused to cooperate and loaded. The facilities and equipment at the control post were improvised (70%) with (12%) being obsolete. It is therefore, recommended that best practices to observe and stakeholder be brought to bear on welfare issues