Short Communication: Seasonal abattoir foetal wastage, food security and the National economy

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate seasonal abattoir foetal wastage and assess its impact on the national economy and food security in Nigeria. A total of 10,176, 19,078 and 16,226 fetuses were recovered from cattle, goats and sheep at three abattoirs located in three towns namely: Michika, Uba and Mubi over a period of four years (2005-2008) to assess the extent at which fetuses wasted affect farmers and the national GDP. Estimated market value of the fetuses from the three abattoirs assuming they were given the opportunity to survive and attain maturity before sales were N712,320,000, N228,936,000 and N243,390,000. This amount of money would have been added to the national domestic revenue. On the average, 2,544 calves, 4,769.75 kids and 4,111.5 lambs valued at N178,070,000, N57,237,000 and N61,672,500 are lost every year. On monthly bases, Nigeria is losing the sum of N59,360,000, N14,078,500 and N2,028,200 through foetal wastages from two local governments areas alone. Season has high significant effect (P<0.01) on the number of fetuses wasted especially during the dry seasons. Means of foetal recovery were highest in the year 2006, and lowest from cattle and sheep in the year, 2008. Higher number of foetal recovery was recorded in Mubi abattoir followed by Uba and then Michika. This practice of killing pregnant animals has enormous consequences on the farmers, other stake holders in the livestock industry and the national GDP.

Keywords: Foetal Wastage, Food Security, National Economy, Nigeria