Foetal Wastage at the Oja-tuntun Slaughterhouse in Ogbomoso Town, South Western Nigeria: A Three Year Retrospective Study

Aim: This survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of foetal wastage amongst cattle and goat; and its associated economic loss. Study Design: A retrospective survey was carried out using the abattoir records of Owode Veterinary Hospital, Ogbomoso, were relevant data relating to foetal wastage was retrieved. Place and Duration: The study was conducted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, South-Western Nigeria from January 2014 to December 2016. Methodology: A three year retrospective survey (January 2014 to December 2016) based on the Veterinary Hospital records were used to determine the extent of foetal wastage as well as associated economic loss.  Results: A total of 11,903 cattle comprising 8,482 (71.3%) males and 3,421 (28.7%) females; 1,269 goats comprising of 791 (62.3%) males and 78 (37.7%) females were slaughtered over the study period. A total of 244 foetuses (cows) and 55 foetuses (does) were recovered during the period of study with a calculated prevalence rate of 7.1 and 11.5% respectively. Analysis of the economic loss over the study period was estimated at approximately N25,254,000 ($69,762) and N440,000 ($1,215) for cattle and goats respectively. With a calculated average annual loss of N8,418,000 to foetal wastage which is too huge for any developing country. Conclusion: Reoccurring slaughter of gravid females and its resultant high foetal wastage must be discouraged; so as to meet demand for meat and meat-related products as well as boost the nation’s economy. Hence the need for all hands to be on deck to develop as well as implement local strategies aimed at reducing future economic losses.