Research Article
B.O Oduguwa, C.O. Raimi, Talab
Abstract
This study evaluated the fetal losses due to slaughtering of pregnant cows at Lafenwa abattoir in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The ages of the fetuses were determined by measuring body length from head to the hind feet. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain information on the slaughtered cattle. Data were subjected to descriptive and quantitative analysis. Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was used to compare means. The total number of cattle slaughtered during the study period at Lafenwa abattoir was 15, 112 with a monthly average of 3,778 and daily average of 145.91. The White Fulani dominated the population. The total number of cows and pregnant cows slaughtered constituted 76.7% and 10.7% of the cattle slaughtered respectively. Throughout the period of the study, 1,617 fetuses were recovered, out of which 1,056 were recovered in the second and third trimesters. On the average, the percentage of fetal wastage was 10.7%, and one fetus was lost for every seven cows or every nine cattle slaughtered. It was concluded that the law which prohibits the slaughtering of pregnant cows should be enforced and policy efforts must concentrate on instituting routine veterinary checks at control posts and abattoirs.