College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and BioSecurity (CoVAB)

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Browsing College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and BioSecurity (CoVAB) by Author "Abaho, Rogers."
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    Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of slaughter-handlers on chickens’ welfare: a case study of informal slaughterhouses at Kalerwe Market
    (Makerere University, 2026) Abaho, Rogers.
    Chicken welfare during slaughter is increasingly recognized as an important component of animal production, food safety, meat quality, and public health. However, information on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of slaughter handlers regarding chicken welfare in informal slaughterhouses in Uganda remains limited. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of slaughter handlers on the welfare of chickens in informal slaughterhouses at Kalerwe Market, Kampala. Specifically, the study assessed slaughter handlers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding chicken welfare, determined the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and slaughter practices, and identified factors influencing handlers' attitudes towards chicken welfare. A cross-sectional study design employing quantitative methods was used. A total of 150 slaughter handlers were recruited through a census of all eligible and consenting handlers operating in informal slaughterhouses at Kalerwe Market. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising sections on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported slaughter practices, complemented by an observational checklist to assess actual slaughter welfare and hygiene practices. Data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize respondents' characteristics and KAP scores. Spearman's rank correlation and multiple linear regression were used to determine relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and slaughter practices, while binary logistic regression identified factors associated with positive attitudes towards chicken welfare. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. The findings showed that 74.7% of respondents had adequate knowledge of chicken welfare, while 84.0% demonstrated positive attitudes towards humane slaughter and food safety. Overall, 60.7% of slaughter handlers exhibited good self-reported slaughter practices, although direct observation revealed lower compliance with recommended welfare and hygiene standards than respondents had reported. Knowledge was positively associated with attitudes (ρ = 0.41, p < 0.001), selfreported slaughter practices (ρ = 0.53, p < 0.001), and observed slaughter practices (ρ = 0.49, p < 0.001). Similarly, positive attitudes were significantly associated with improved self-reported (ρ = 0.48, p < 0.001) and observed slaughter practices (ρ = 0.44, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression demonstrated that both knowledge (β = 0.39, p < 0.001) and attitudes (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) independently predicted slaughter practices. Multivariable logistic regression further revealed that formal welfare training (or = 4.48; 95% CI: 1.48–13.55), attainment of at least O-level education (or = 3.21; 95% CI: 1.24–8.29), and previous regulatory inspection (or = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.15–7.15) were significant predictors of positive attitudes towards chicken welfare. Although most slaughter handlers possessed adequate knowledge and positive attitudes towards chicken welfare, important deficiencies remained in the implementation of recommended humane slaughter practices, particularly regarding pre-slaughter stunning, proper bird restraint, and consistent adherence to hygiene standards. Improving access to formal welfare training, strengthening routine regulatory inspection, and promoting continuous education of slaughter handlers are likely to improve humane slaughter practices, enhance poultry welfare, and contribute to safer poultry meat production in informal slaughterhouses.