POULTRY WELFARE AT LOCAL MARKETS DURING THE HOT-DRY CONDITIONS: THE ODDS AND NORMS. A CASE STUDY OF KADUNA STATE

Résumé

The aimed of the study was to evaluate poultry welfare, based on handling and transportation methods, traumatic injuries and mortality, sustained by birds at local markets in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Ten different villages within Kaduna State were visited twice each during market days in the hot-dry season. During the visits, the methods by which the birds were handled and the means of transportation, traumatic injuries and mortality rate sustained by the birds at the markets were assessed and photographs were taken. The results showed that of the 1200 birds observed at the markets, 95% were shackled, 90% were held upside down, 10% were held by the wings, and only 10% were held upright in a normal position. Ninety percent of the birds at the local markets were tied by the legs in clusters of 5 to 10 birds. Forty five percent of the birds were transported using motorcycles, while 30% were transported in cars. Visible traumatic injuries were observed on the legs (25%), wings (12%), and head and neck (10% each). Mortality rate and fracture were recorded in only 6% and 5%, respectively of the birds. Chickens transported and sold at various local markets in Kaduna State were poorly, unethically and inhumanely handled, and transported by means not specifically meant for poultry transportation. In conclusion, the welfare of the birds in all the markets visited was compromised, which may adversely affect the their health, productivity and meat quality, and, consequently, increase economic losses incurred by farmers.