SLAUGHTER PRACTICES, FIGURES AND INCIDENCE OF POST-MORTEM CONDEMNATION AS AFFECTED BY SEASONS IN KARU MINI ABATTOIR ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the operations, daily slaughter figures and incidences of post-mortem condemnation at the Karu Mini Abattoir in FCT, Abuja as affected by seasons. Data was collected through oral interview, use of structured questionnaires, personal observation as well as use of the abattoir's records and other documentary sources of information. Results showed that cattle, camel, goat and sheep are the livestock usually slaughtered throughout the year. Results further revealed that sheep and goats were the most frequently slaughtered livestock species (79.68%) in the study area. 38.66% were slaughtered in the early dry season and 28.43% at the late wet season (). Post-mortem rejects include whole carcasses, liver, lungs, gastro-intestinal tract, hearts, kidneys, udder, heads and legs. The highest post-mortem rejects were lungs (73.65%) which were due to tuberculosis (69.19%) and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (33.10%), and the lowest were kidneys (0.35%). Observations during the study period, revealed certain negative abattoir practices comprising absence of lairage, rest, ante-mortem examination, crude immobilization of animals, unsanitary practices and insensitivity to fetal losses. However, there were positive practices that should be sustained, such as the method of cutting-up and by-products processing. The regulations on the operations of the abattoir were below the standard requirements and there was low post-mortem condemnation in cattle, which indicated slaughter of healthy animals. In conclusion, slaughter figures of livestock, were not affected by season. It is recommended that all stakeholders take appropriate steps to fund and enforce existing legislation relating to food hygiene and community health.