Animal Supply and Logistics Activities of Abattoir Chain in Developing Countries: The Case of Kumasi Abattoir, Ghana

Abstract

The concern about the welfare of livestock during transport is increasing as animal production and transport for slaugh- ter and breeding is increasing. The main objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics of animal supply and activities in slaughter chain in the Kumasi abattoir, Ghana. The main stakeholders were indentified and interviewed. Based on the data and information gathered (through interview, field measurements, observation and activity registra- tion), the main characteristics of the animal supply and activities in the abattoir chain were mapped out. The study indi- cated that the animals were sourced from inside and outside Ghana. The purchased animals were first sent to a local collection centre before onward transportation to the Cattle Market in the Kumasi city, where the animals should stay until sold and taken to abattoir to be slaughtered. The study indicated that inhuman way of animal handling, incidence of non-ambulation, sickness and death of animals were common during transport as well as inside Kumasi cattle market. The slaughtering procedures and meat distribution to the butcheries lacked good hygienic conditions compromising meat safety and quality. These issues of animal welfare and meat safety and quality should get attention and improve- ments must be planned.