Abstract:
The Slaughter of camels at the Sokoto municipal abattoir was evaluated over a five months period from
March July, 2007 with the aim of determining foetal
wastage due to the slaughter of pregnant camels. Out of the
1174 camels slaughtered during the study period, 592
(50.4%) were females. A total of 137 foetuses were
recovered which represent a foetal recovery rate of 23.99%. Attempt was also made to recover
some conceptus
and embryos by flushing the uterus. Fifty three (53) uteri from
genital
ia
with positive signs of pregnancy were
flushed during and 12 (22.64%) had conceptus. Estimated economic loss due to the slaughter of pregnant camels
in Sokoto abattoir stands at N24, 960,000 for a period of 10 years. It was concluded that Law against the
s
laughter of pregnant animals should be enforced. Adequate ante
-
mortem inspection, literacy campaign amongst
butchers should be intensified as effort to improve camel population in this country
