Incidence of Fetal Wastage in Cattle Slaughtered at the Oko-Oba Abattoir and Lairage, Agege, Lagos, Nigeria

The aim of this study is to determine the proportion of fetuses destroyed due to the slaughter of pregnant cows at the Oko-Oba abattoir and lairage, Agege, Lagos, Nigeria. A retrospective study was conducted on abattoir records kept by the Lagos State Department of Veterinary Services (LSDVS) over a 4 year period. The study showed an incidence rate ranging from 1.50-2.10% over the 4 year study period (Average of 1.8%). This practice constitutes a huge drain on the animal protein availability for human consumption in a developing country like Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that appropriate legislation be put in place and enforced to control the slaughter of pregnant animals. Comprehensive ante-mortem inspection should also be carried out by abattoir staff on all animals intended for slaughter for human consumption.