CATTLE SLAUGHTERING AND POSTMORTEM HANDLING PRACTICES IN SELECTED NIGERIA CITIES

Résumé

Cattle slaughtering and postmortem handing practices in Nigerian abattoris and markets were investigated. The study revaled poor pre- and post slaughter handling of cattle and carcass. The abattoirs were inadequately were inadequately equipped and maintained. The abbattors were characterized by lack of running tap water and proper waste disposal facilities. A critical assessment of the slaughtering process in the abattoirs when compared with the standard method showed a total absence of stunning (necessary for humance slaughtering) and aging or ripening (Which enhances tenderness and juiciness of meat) unit operations. The beef marketing chain was also found to be poorly organized and managed with associated poor preservation and storage facilities. Suggestions for improvement were also discussed.