Prevalence of liver lesions in small ruminants (sheep and goats) slaughtered at the Kumasi Abattoir, Ghana

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the occurrence of liver lesions in slaughtered sheep and goat with specific reference to the prevalence, breed, age, sex and month influence on liver lesion and also the pathological changes and its effect on the cost. This study involves a 3 months period (October and December 2015) weekly inspection of 2044 slaughtered sheep and goat, 824 were purposively examined, of which 75 were partially condemned and 36 samples out of the partially condemned were used for histopathological analysis. Lesions recorded were granuloma, necrosis, degeneration, cystic vacuole and some with no lesion. Age, sex and breeds had significant influence (p>0.05) on the prevalence of liver lesions in sheep and goat. West African dwarf was the most susceptible breed. The ages in both species (sheep and goats) above 2 – 3 years were most susceptible to liver lesions. Goats were more susceptible than sheep and within the 3 months study the abattoir loss GH¢ 1125 due to liver lesion Economic loss due to liver condemnation estimated has showed there is much to be done to save loss incomes from liver condemnation. Good husbandry practices, proper feeding and good veterinary care should be given to small ruminants in order to minimize liver disease in small ruminants in Ghana.