ISSN: 2578-5001
Authors: Mohammed A*
Ingestion of indigestible foreign bodies by ruminants is becoming a common worldwide problem which is the associated with a shortage of feed as well as increased pollution of grazing lands with indigestible materials. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2023 to March 2024 with the aim of assessing the prevalence of indigestible foreign bodies and associated risk factors in cattle slaughtered at Selected districts of east Ararge municipal abattoirs. A total of 384 cattle were selected randomly and examined to check for the presence of indigestible foreign bodies in the rumen and reticulum of study animals. Among them, 109(28.39%) were found positive for the occurrence of indigestible foreign bodies in rumen and reticulum. Age, body condition and origin of the animals were determined during ante mortem examination while animals were examined for indigestible foreign bodies during postmortem examination. Age, body condition score and origin of animals had significant (P<0.05) effect on the prevalence of foreign bodies. Foreign bodies were highest in cattle old age groups 58(36.71%) followed by young 28(23.53%) and adult 23(21.50%). The prevalence rate recorded in poor, medium, and good body condition of cattle were 62(68.89%), 34(32.69%) and 13(6.84%), respectively. The significantly (P=0.000) higher foreign bodies in rumen and reticulum were found in cattle originated from Babile 58(60.42%) followed by kombolcha 24(25.00%) and Girawa 17(17.71%) and the lower prevalence were observed in Gorogutu 10(10.42%). Out of 109 (28.39%) total positive cases of foreign bodies 56(14.58%), 35(9.11 %) and 18(4.69 %) prevalence rate of foreign bodies were observed in rumen, reticulum and both rumen and reticulum, respectively. Rumen harbored mostly non-metallic foreign materials while reticulum was the major site for the retention of metallic objects. Plastic 38(9.90%) were recovered as the most common foreign bodies followed by rope 16(4.17%), cloth and plastic 6(4.17%), Nail 13(3.39%), wire 12 (3.13%), cloth 7(1.82 %), and rope and plastic 7(1.82 %). Presence of the foreign bodies in the rumen and reticulum of the current study area was expose cattle to health associated problems and contribute for reduction in production. Consequently, appropriate solid waste disposal system need to implement in the study area to prevent health risk of ruminants and also to protect the environment.
Keywords: Abattoir; Ararghe; Cattle; Foreign Body; Rumen; Reticulum; Risk factor; Prevalence
