Abstract:
Africa partakes only less than 1%. of the total value of hides and skins trade due to-poor quality and among others. A study was carried out to assess the causes of defects affecting quality of goat skins during slaughter at Soroti Municipal abattoir from February to April, 2014. One hundred and five goats, their skins and seven flayers were used in the study. Direct observations and interview using well-structured questionnaire were used in the study. In analysing results, 3 descriptive statistic using SPSS was applied. One hundred and four skins (99%) had one or more defects. The major defects were gouge marks and corduroying (95%), dirt (77.1 %), Bruises (73.3%), Veininess (66.7%), flay cuts (37.1%), and incorrect shape (2.9%). Grades of skins were (62.9%) grade I, (27.6%) grade II and (9.5%) reject grade and there was significant relationship (p <0:05) between the grade of skins and defects. Defects found to cause rejection at pen-slaughter were flay cuts (6.7%.) and incorrect shape (2"8%). The causes of these defects were mainly inhumane slaughter, inadequate bleeding, improper ripping, use of inappropriate slaughter facilities and equipment, lack of electricity to provide Light and lack of technical skills and knowledge on general handling of hides and skins. The study suggests the need to implement awareness on prevalence, causes; prevention and consequences of skin defects among the abattoir workers, backyard slaughter men, skin collectors and other stakeholders. There is also need to improve the existing slaughter facilities and rigorous training especially of abattoir and backyard slaughter men on slaughter and flaying art and sciences with adequate supervision or. the entire slaughter processes including facilities used and hygiene.
