Foetal wastages and some gross reproductive abnormalities in small ruminants slaughtered at Dogarawa slaughter slab Zaria, Kaduna State

Abstract

Introduction: Slaughtering of pregnant animals resulting in foetal wastages abound in many countries of the world. The practice of slaughtering of gravid animals in Nigeria is largely due to lower economic standards of the citizens. This study was to establish the nature and incidence of reproductive abnormalities and foetal wastages in small ruminants observed at Dogarawa slaughter slab Zaria, Kaduna state. Methods: Ante-mortem and post-mortem examinations of the genital tract of slaughtered small ruminants were conducted using visual examination, palpation and incision. A total of 1695 animals slaughtered on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) within the months of August and September 2019 were examined. A total of 1158 bucks, 264 does, 111 ewes and 162 rams were slaughtered. Values obtained were presented in percentages using Microsoft excel, 2016. Results: A total of 52 foetal wastages were recorded (71.15% in sheep and 28.85% in goats). Abnormalities of the ovaries observed include ovarian hypertrophy (6.25%), the cystic follicle (12.5%) and unilateral ovarian agenesis (6.25%), which were detected at post-mortem examination. Abnormalities of the uterus observed were pyometra (6.25%), hydrometra (6.25%), metritis (12.5%) and uterine atrophy (6.25%). Supernumerary teats (25%) and mastitis (18.75%) were also observed. Ante-mortem and post-mortem gross pathological conditions of the male reproductive tract revealed; cryptorchidism (41.18%), paraphimosis (11.26%), testicular hypoplasia (5.88%), epididymitis (29.41%) and balanoposthitis (11.76%). Significance: The results from this study revealed various types of reproductive anomalies in animals brought to slaughter. The study also revealed the practice of slaughtering of pregnant animals resulting in foetal wastages.