Evaluation of cattle fetal wastage and associated economic loses among cows slaughtered at Kampala City Abattoir, Uganda

Abstract

Slaughter of pregnant cows has remained a global challenge particularly in the developing countries like Uganda. This does not only impose a threat to the future of the National cattle herd size but also causes food security and undermines production endeavors leading to economic loses. A cross sectional study was conducted at Kampala City Abattoir to evaluate the prevalence of fetal wastage, estimate the associated economic losses and risk factors predisposing cows to slaughter when pregnant, since there was limited information on fetal wastage at Kampala city Abattoir, Uganda. During the study period at Kampala City Abattoir, a total number of 640 cows were examined at slaughter and prevalence of fetal wastage was 38.44%. Prevalence of fetal wastage was highest among the Ankole cattle (20.8%) and least among the Zebu (5.8%). The most affected age group was 4-7 years with a mean age of 4.83 years while most of the pregnant cows slaughtered had good body condition score (BCS) prevailing at 50% with mean BCS of 3.43. The slaughter of pregnant cows (fetal wastage) statistically differed (p=0.000) across breed, BCS and age of dams. Economic loss due to fetal wastage was estimated at UGX 4.58 Billion annually based on the current fetal wastage rate. The government should incorporate compulsory pregnancy diagnosis for all female animals during ante-mortem inspection and prohibit their slaughter if pregnant. Once this is done, such economic losses can be avoided and future herds protected to meet the ever-increasing demand for beef in Uganda