PREVALENCE OF FETAL WASTAGE IN CATTLE SLAUGHTERED AT ABATTOIR IN SANGO OTTA METROPOLIS

This study investigated the prevalence of fetal wastage in cattle slaughtered at abattoirs in Sango Otta Metropolis, focusing on age, breed, and spatial distribution. Utilizing a sample size of 232 cattle, pf which 133 were cow, 75 were confirmed pregnant at the time of slaughter, resulting in an overall fetal wastage prevalence of 32%. Analysis by age indicated the highest prevalence in cows older than six years (71.4%), followed by those aged 3 to 4 years (56.2%), and 5 to 6 years (54.1%), with significant differences (p < 0.05) noted for cows older than six years. Breed-wise, the prevalence varied, with the Red Bororo breed showing the highest wastage rate at 61.8%, while the Sokoto Gudali breed had the lowest at 41.2%; however, no significant statistical association related to breed was observed (p > 0.05). Spatially, ATAN Abattoir exhibited a slightly higher prevalence (57.1%) compared to Iyana-Iyesi Abattoir (55.6%). Key factors for the unintentional slaughter of pregnant cows included ignorance of pregnancy status (84%), high beef demand (81%), and feed scarcity (66%). These findings emphasize the need for improved pregnancy detection methods and enhanced resource management in abattoirs to minimize fetal wastage and promote sustainable cattle production.