Frequency of slaughter of pregnant cattle in Bugiri municipal abattoir and measures taken to reduce fetal wastage.

Abstract

In developing Countries, fetal wastage from slaughter of pregnant cattle (cows and heifers) and associated economic loss appear substantial with negative impact on the total meat production and national herd population since most of the cows slaughtered are those in line of reproductive age. This practice constitutes a big drain on the animal protein availability for human consumption in developing countries like Uganda. This motivated a one month (from 15th May - 14th June 2021) prospective study to evaluate the magnitude of slaughter of pregnant cattle in Bugiri Municipal Abattoir identifying the gestational period at which they are slaughtered and suggested measures to bring down the practice assessed. This entirely involved visual inspection of the uterus and Crown Rump Length measuring tape to identify the gestational age. This study showed a prevalence rate of 12.3% pregnant cattle slaughtered. It also indicated that 65.4%, 23.1% and 11.5% of the pregnant cattle slaughtered were in the second, first and third trimester respectively. It is therefore recommended that appropriate legislation be put in place and enforced to control the slaughter of pregnant cows. Also a comprehensive ante mortem inspection should be carried out by the inspecting officers in abattoirs on all female animals presented for slaughter for human consumption.