Abstract:
In developing countries, foetal wastage from slaughtered ruminants and the associated
economic losses appear to be substantial. However, only a limited number of studies have
comprehensively evaluated these trends. In the current study, secondary (retrospective) and
primary data were collected and evaluated to estimate the prevalence of foetal wastage from
cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered at an abattoir in Minna, Nigeria, over a 12-year period
(January 2001 – December 2012). Time-series modelling revealed substantial differences in the
rate of foetal wastage amongst the slaughtered species, with more lambs having been wasted
than calves or kids. Seasonal effects seem to influence rates of foetal wastage and certain
months in the year appear to be associated with higher odds of foetal wastage. Improved
management systems are suggested to reduce the risk of foetal losses.
