WELFARE OF CATTLE AT LOCAL MARKETS IN KADUNA STATE: HANDLING AND TRANSPORTATION AS A MAJOR CONCERN

Abstract

The aimed of the study was to evaluate the welfare of cattle at local markets in Kaduna State, based on means of transportation by road, loading and unloading methods, abusive behaviours by stakeholders and stress-related behaviours of the animals. Ten different villages within Kaduna State were visited twice each during their market days. During the visits, a total of 700 cattle were observed and the methods by which the animals were handled, their means of transportation and behavioural responses were assessed, and, in addition, photographs were obtained. The cattle were transported mostly 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 visited. 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%). The most common stress-related behaviour of the cattle was aggression (70%), followed by panting and repeated vocalisation (40% each). In conclusion, cattle transported for sale at various local markets in Kaduna State were abused, handled poorly and inhumanely, and transported by means not specifically meant for animal transportation. The compromise of the welfare of the cattle may adversely affect their health, productivity and meat quality.