Asian Journal of Agriculture and Allied Sciences

The slaughter of pregnant small ruminants resulting in fetal loss represents a significant constraint to livestock production and contributes to protein deficiency in developing countries. This study investigated the prevalence of fetal wastage in small ruminants and its associated economic implications at Jalingo Abattoir in Taraba State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months, spanning September 2023 through February 2024. Daily abattoir visits were undertaken to record the total number of sheep and goats slaughtered, examine uteri of slaughtered females for the presence of fetuses, and determine fetal age, sex, and breed through crown-rump length measurements. Economic losses were quantified using prevailing local market values, and data analysis employed descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results showed that 3,785 sheep and 8,662 goats were slaughtered during the study period, with females comprising 75.06% of sheep and 31.10% of goats. Pregnancy was detected in 22.56% of ewes and 20.75% of does among slaughtered females. A total of 678 lamb fetuses and 643 kid fetuses were recovered, yielding prevalence rates of 23.86% and 23.87%, respectively. Female fetuses predominated in both species (53.10% in sheep; 52.57% in goats). The majority of fetuses were in their second or third trimesters, indicating advanced gestational stages. Yankasa sheep and Sokoto Red goats emerged as the most affected breeds. Economic losses over the six-month study period were estimated at ₦5,962,000, projecting to an annual loss of ₦11,924,000. These findings highlight the critical need for enhanced ante-mortem inspection protocols, farmer education on pregnancy detection methods, and stricter enforcement of regulations prohibiting the slaughter of pregnant animals to improve livestock productivity and strengthen food security.