Abstract:
The study was conducted from Lugazi municipal slaughter slab, Buikwe district and Tororo municipal abattoir, Tororo district for a period of one month, between the months of March and April. The objective of the study was to assess and compare the different defects incurred Oil hides and skins during slaughter, preservation and storage and their causes in both the study areas. It was done through a close observation of the animals in the Lairage prior slaughter during slaughter flaying preservation and storage of recovered hides and skins. A total of 100 hides and 60 skins were sampled 100 hides each from slaughter slab and abattoir and 30 skins each from both thestudy areas. Data-collected was entered in excel and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). The defects identified in the study included; flay cuts(14% on skins,17% on hides at abattoir and 32% on skins) 22% on hides at slaughter slab), knife-cuts (11% on skins, 12% on hides at abattoir and 20% on skins, 16% on hides at slaughter slab), Veininess (34% on skins , 34% on hides at abattoir and 19% on skins, 33% on hides-at slaughter slab) irregularities (16% 011 skins, 16% on hides and 24%, 19% on hides at slaughter slab) and putrefaction (25% on skins, 21% on hides at abattoir and 5% on skins, 11% on hides at slaughter slab). Their causes were carelessness by the flayers, inappropriate equipment, dirty environment, no stunning no hoisting of carcass, lack of skills by flayers and insufficient bleeding:" Veininess was the most significant defect 'Observed in both, study areas Most defects occurred during slaughter therefore, more attention should be. taken during. slaughter the animals should be stunned, the flayers should be trained, they should use the right knives for making ripping lines and flaying, the carcasses should be hoisted for sufficient bleeding and hygiene should be kept during the activities.
