Preliminary study of bovine carcass bruises and its associated financial losses in Kumasi abattoir, Ghana

Abstract

In Ghana, huge quantity of meat is wasted daily due to bruise-related carcass condemnation in the slaughter houses and abattoir throughout the country. However, there is limited information on the impact of such bruise-related meat and financial losses in the country. This study estimated the prevalence of bruises and its financial wastage in bovine carcasses at Kumasi Abattoir. Bovine carcasses totalling 21,336 were examined. Bruised carcasses were identified and bruised parts grouped according to locations as shoulder, loin, butt, rib and other locations. The overall prevalence of bruised carcasses during the short study period was 16.76 % (3576/21336). The total weight of meat condemned and direct financial loss incurred were 622.4 kg and GHȻ 13,609.28 respectively. With regards to location, shoulder had the highest frequency, whereas the rib had the lowest. Education of butchers and cattle traders on human animal transport and handling before slaughter in order to minimize meat wastage and associated financial losses due to bruising is recommended.

Keywords: Bovine carcass, Bruises, Financial losses, Prevalence, Kumasi Abattoir