Foetal wastage in camels slaughtered at Sokoto municipal abattoir

Abstract

The Slaughter of camels at the Sokoto municipal abattoir was evaluated over a five months period from March July, 2007 with the aim of determining foetal wastage due to the slaughter of pregnant camels. Out of the 1174 camels slaughtered during the study period, 592 (50.4%) were females. A total of 137 foetuses were recovered which represent a foetal recovery rate of 23.99%. Attempt was also made to recover some conceptus and embryos by flushing the uterus. Fifty three (53) uteri from genitalia with positive signs of pregnancy were flushed during and 12 (22.64%) had conceptus. Estimated economic loss due to the slaughter of pregnant camels in Sokoto abattoir stands at N24, 960,000 for a period of 10 years. It was concluded that Law against the slaughter of pregnant animals should be enforced. Adequate ante-mortem inspection, literacy campaign amongst butchers should be intensified as effort to improve camel population in this country.