Quantitative Analysis Of Abattoir Slaughtering Of Animals In Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abattoir survey was conducted to determine the trends, volume and value of food animals slaughtered in twenty local government areas of Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria from 1999 to 2002. A total of 151,303 animals comprising of 38,946 (25.7%) cattle; 39,392 (26%) goats; 11,758 (7.8%) sheep; 24,449 (16.2%) pigs, and 36,758 (24.3%) dogs were slaughtered in the state during the period under review. Male/female ratios of 3.1:1, 3:1, 2.7:1, 2.7:1, and 3:1 were obtained for cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and dogs, respectively. Findings revealed that 32.8% of the animals were slaughtered in 1999 while 37.9% were slaughtered in 2000. However a lower percentage (12.8%) was slaughtered in 2001. Three peak periods of demand for cattle were in 1999, 2000 and 2002; two for goats: 1999 and 2000: one for sheep: 2000; two for pigs: 1999 and 2000, and two for dogs: 1999 and 2000. Meat inspection activities in the state translated to a revenue of 3.07 million Naira within the period of study, although this can be improved. It was concluded that cattle, goats and pigs are the most popular food animals in the state with dog meat providing a good alternative source of animal protein requirements for the populace.


Key words: Abattoir, Akwa Ibom, Returns, Local government


Journal Of Agriculture And Social Research Vol. 5 (1) 2005: 118-126