Liver condemnation in cattle and its financial losses at Kumi municipality slaughter house

Abstract

Liver condemnation in cattle at the Kumi Municipality slaughter house presents a significant challenge, leading to substantial financial losses for both cattle farmers and the slaughter house itself. To address these challenges effectively, it was imperative to conduct a comprehensive study that investigates the causes of liver condemnation in cattle and its associated financial loses at the Kumi Municipality slaughter house. The objectives of the study were to assess liver condemnation and financial losses associated in cattle slaughtered at Kumi Municipality slaughter house. A post-mortem inspection procedure was done throughout the study and data were analysed using Microsoft Excel program 2015. A total of 206 cattle livers were obtained from cattle that were selected using simple random sampling method, after slaughter. Out of 206 cattle slaughtered, 127 (61.7%) livers were partially or wholly condemned. The results revealed that, the major causes of liver condemnation in cattle were fascioliasis (73.2%) followed by liver cirrhosis (26.8%). The direct financial losses due to liver condemnation were calculated to be Ush 7,253,040 (USD 1944.27) within the two months of the study period. The annual loss was estimated to be Ush 43,518,240 (USD 11,665.61). In conclusion, this study identified a high rate of liver condemnation where by cirrhosis and fascioliasis as the major causes of liver condemnation at Kumi Municipality slaughter house. Fascioliasis is a significant cause to liver condemnation, according to study. The annual economic loss due to liver condemnation at the Kumi Municipality slaughter house was high. Therefore, it is necessary find out the major causes of liver condemnation in cattle and to calculate the financial cost of liver condemnation at the national level in order to develop effective control measures to reduce this loss and help to reduce the causes of liver condemnation that will lead to low condemnation rates.