EVALUATION OF ANIMAL SLAUGHTER PRACTICES IN AWKA

EVALUATION OF ANIMAL SLAUGHTER PRACTICES IN AWKA

Table of contents

Objectives

Chapter one

1.0: Introduction

1.1 :Definition of animal

1.2: Definition of animal slaughter practices

1.3:  Methods of killing animals

Chapter two

2.0: Animal welfare practices

2.1: Definition of animal welfare practices

2.2:  Animal welfare principles

2.3 : Challenges encountered in animal welfare management

Chapter three

3.0: Economic importance of farm animals

3.1: Definition of farm

3.2: Definition of farm animals

3.3: Uses of farm animals

3.4: Animal husbandry

3.5: Economic importance of farm animals

References

OBJECTIVES OF THE EVALUATION OF ANIMAL SLAUGHTER PRACTICES IN AWKA

·       To to gather availabe data relating to animals slaughtered for religious purposes (either stunned or not stunned),the incidence and scale of practices.the inquiries and investigations will focus on awka.

·       Identify the procedures of the  current methods of religiou and non-religious slaughter. The focus will be on handling restraint methods,neck cutting/exexsanquination/slaughter techniques and post cut handling (e.g severance of spinal cord). The benchmarking will be carried out in the same town as the previous objectives.

·       To provide recommendation for optimum religious and non-religious slaughter practices inorder to improve animal welfare during slaughter.

        

 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1: DEFINITION OF ANIMAL

Animal is a living organism which feeds on organic matter, typically having specialised sense organs and nervous system and able to respond rapidly to stimuli.animals are multicellular,eukaryotic organisms of the kingdom animalia (also known as metazoa).

1.1.1: CLASSIFICATION OF ANIMALS

Animals can be classsified into vertebrata and invertebrata.the vertebrata are further classified into mammalia,reptilia,pisces,  aves and amphibians.my research will practically be on all animals that produce meat for man

·       Vertebrata

·       Invertebrata.  

vertebrata can be further classified into:

·       Mammalia

·       Reptilia

·       Pisces

·       Amphibians

·       Aves

1.2:   DEFINITION OF ANIMAL SLAUGHTER PRACTICES

Slaughter practices are those modes of killing an animal, it could be either by instantly killing an animal or rendering the animal insensible to pain until death supervenes. this means they must be stunned prior to bleeding out so they become unconscious.

·       All methods of humane killing including slaughter and on- farm euthanasia must meet the same criteria.

·       Death of an animal without panic or distress

·       Instant unconsciousness followed by rapid death without regaining consciousness

·       Reliability for both single or large numbers of animals

·       Simplicity and minimal maintenance

·       Minimal detrimental impact on operators or observers

A high level of operator skill is important for the humane killing of animals.

Operators must be trained in:

·       Animal handling.

·       Selection of the best killing method.

·       Proper maintenance of equipment.

·       Correct application of the killing method.

SOME PROCEDURES OF HUMANE SLAUGHTER REGULARLY USED INCLUDE:

The methods of killing will vary according to species and circumstances at the time.

Ø Operated instruments,such as captive-bolt pistols followed by bleeding out

Ø Instrument for stunning by electric current followed by bleeding out

Ø The use of gas followed by bleeding out

Humane killing on the farm is often carried out using a rifle and depending on the species will be done using one of the following postions:

1.3.1: FONTAL METHOD

The firearm is directed at a point midway across the fore head where two lines from the top side of the base of the ears and top of the eyes intersect.the line of fire should be aimed horizontally into the skull towards the center of the brain or spinal cord.

1.3.2: POLL METHOD (FOR HORNED ANIMALS)

The animal is shot through the skull just behind the base of the horns.the line of fire should be in line with the animals muzzle.

1.3.3: TEMPORAL METHOD

The firearm is directed at a point midway between the eye and the base of the ear on the same side of the head.the projectile should be directed horizontally into the skull

v NB:  Killing methods should only be used if they have been declared humane by recognised expert authorities and they meet the basic criteria (above).

CHAPTER TWO

2.0: ANIMAL WELFARE PRACTICES

2.1: DEFINITION OF ANIMAL WELFARE PRACTICES

Animal welfare practices are those actions that ensures the well being of the animals . the  5-step animal welfare rating standards includes

·       Step1: Animal live their lives with space to move around and stretch their legs( i.e no crates,no cages,no crowding)

·       Step2: Animals are provided with enrichments thats encourage behaviours that’s natural to them – like a bale of straw for chickens to peck at a bowling ball for pigs to shove around or a sturdy object for cattle to rub against (enriched environment)

·       Step3: Pigs,chickens and turkeys might live in buildings but they all have access to outdoor areas(enchanted oudoor access)

·       Step4: When living outdoor chickens and turkeys get to forage , pigs get to wallow and cattle get to roam(pasture centered)

·       Step5: Animals raised to step 5 standard must be born and live their entire lives on one farm.At step 5,the well-being of the animals is the primary focus; efficiency and economy are secondary.

2.2: ANIMAL WELFARE PRINCIPLES

There are eight principles for developing and evaluating animal welfare policies

                  I.            The responsible use of animals for human purposes,such as companionship,food,fiber,recreation,work,education,exhibition,and research conducted for the ben0efit of both humans and animals.

               II.            Decisions regarding animal care,use and welfare shall be made by balancing scientific knowledge and professional judgement with consideration of ethical and societal values.

           III.            Animals must be provided water,food,proper handling,health care,and an environment appropriate to their care and use,with thoughtful consideration for their species,typical biology and behaviour.

           IV.            Animals should be cared for in ways that minimize fear,pain,stress and suffering.

              V.            Procedures related to animal housing,management,care and use should be continously evaluated and when indicated,refined or replaced.

           VI.            Conservation and management of animal populations should be humane socially responsible and scientifically prudent.

       VII.            Animals should be treated with respect and dignity through out their lives and, when necessary provided a humane death.

    VIII.            The veterinary profession shall continually strive to improve animal health and welfare through scientific research,education,collaboration,advocacy,and the development of legislation and regulations.

2.3: CHALLENGES IN ANIMAL WELFARE MANAGEMENT

The welfare of animals is often very poor in developing countries.the equipment used for ploughing and for harnessing animals to transport vehicles is often badly designed and inflict heavy stress, physical strain and pain on the animals.

CHAPTER THREE

3.0: ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF FARM ANIMALS

3.1: DEFINITION OF FARM

                  I.            It is a tract of land cultivated for the purpose of agricultural production.

               II.            A tract of land devoted to the raising and breeding of domestic animals.

           III.            An area of water devoted to the raising,breeding,or production of a specific aquatic animal,a trout farm;an oyster farm.

3.2: DEFINITION OF FARM ANIMALS

They animals used for the production of humane and animal food and feed,fiber,skin and hide,and to the extent that they are used in hauling of freight and for transport. Farm animals means any specie of cattle,  sheep, swine, goats, ilamas or horses, which are normally, and have historically been kept and raised on farms and used or intended for use as food or fiber, or for improving animal nutrition, breeding, management or production efficiency, or for improving the quality of food and fiber.This term also includes animals such as rabbits, mink, and chinchilla, when they are used solely for the purpose of meat or fur,and animals such as horse and ilamas when used solely as work and pack animals.

3.3: USES OF FARM ANIMALS

Farms animals have various important uses which includes the following:

·       To provide a steady food supply.

·       To creat jobs,especially for women.

·       To provide transportation.

·       To do agricultural work.

·       To provide raw materials for clothing.

·       To provide manure for agriculture.

·       To provide fuel for energy.

·       To earn foreign currency by export.

3.4: DEFINITION OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

It is a branch of agriculture concerned with the care and breeding of domestic animals or farm animals such as cattle, hogs, sheep and horses.

3.5: ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF FARM ANIMALS

Livestock plays an important role in the agricultural production sphere. Statistics also show that 6.5% of national GDP is covered by the livestock sector, and its annual rate of productivity is 9%.About 20% of the population of Nigeria earn their livelihood through work associated with raising cattle and poutry. Draught power for tilling the land, the use of cow dung for manure and fuel, and animal power for transportation make up about 15% of the GDP.

In addition hides and skins, bones, offals, feathers etc help in earning foreign exchange. Livestock resources also play an important role in the sustenance of landless people.