Abstract:
A study to assess the major defects affecting quality of cattle hides during slaughter was conducted from March to April 2016 at Soroti municipal abattoir in Soroti district to identify defects inflicted on hides of cattle during slaughter causes of defects all hides during slaughter and establish the relationship between defects and grading of hides. Seventy-five (75) cattle, their hides, and fifteen flayers were used in the study. Data on defects on hides, causes on defects and grade of hides were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 16, The results were presented using pie charts graphs and tables, seventy-three (97.3%) hides had one or more defects. The major defects were: flay cuts (49.3%.), incorrect shape (5.3%), bruises (28%) and vaccines (70.6%) while others were gouge marks (96%) and dirt (85.3%). Majority of flayers had enough experience in flaying: 16-20 years (26.7%). 11-15 years (45%),6-10 years (20%). Whereas none had any training on flaying and handling of hides. Major causes of defects were inhumane slaughter, lack of training of the flayers. Use of un-recommended facilities and equipment. The hides recovered were 50.6% (Grade 1), 28.0% (grade II)· and 21.3% (rejects).The study concluded that the quality of hides during slaughter were mainly affected by flay cuts which end up lowering the grade of the hides and the money paid to the farmers, It was recommended that abattoir should put in facilities for humane slaughter, carry out rigorous training on flaying methods and procedures while emphasizing the peed to replace equipment Stich as worn out flay knives and provide electricity to improve of quality hides.
