ASSESSMENT OF FOETAL WASTAGES OF SHEEP AND GOATS SLAUGHTERED IN MINNA MUNICIPAL ABATTOIR

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of foetal wastages of sheep and goats slaughtered in Minna municipal, Niger state, Nigeria. Data used in the study were obtained from daily records on sheep and goats of animals slaughtered at the Minna municipal abattoir. The results showed a total of 3813goat and 618 sheep were slaughtered. From which 126 gravid goats and 42 gravid sheep were obtained. The cumulative percentage of foetal losses recovered from the two species of study were 82 (47.40%) males and 91 (52.60%) females for goats and also 21 (40.38%) males and 31 (59.62%) females for sheep, respectively. Similarly, increased incidence rate of foetal wastages occurred during the third trimester in both species of animals. The mean crown rump lengths of the fetuses significantly correlate with the gestational age and the mean weights of the foetuses. The outcome of this study shows a great danger to livestock population growth in the study area. Therefore, adequate enlightenment should be step up to sensitize the livestock farmers and butchers on the need to have basic knowledge of pregnancy detection.