Abstract:
A cross sectional study was conducted from November, 2015 to April, 2016 at Gondar ELFORA abattoir,
north western Ethiopia to identify the major causes of organ condemnation of cattle and to estimate their direct
financial loss. A total of 519 cattle were examined by antemortem and postmortem inspections using standard meat
inspection procedures. During antemortem inspection, the abnormalities encountered were branding 50 (9.63%),
nasal discharge 36 (6.93%), lameness 10 (1.93%), lacrimation 7 (1.35%), local swelling 4(0.77%), and abdominal
hernia 2(0.39%). In the postmortem inspection, 156 (30.1%) of Livers, 176 (33.9%) of Lungs, 5 (0.96%) of Hearts,
24 (4.6%) of Kidneys and 6 (1.2%) of tongues were condemned due to gross abnormalities. Out of the total 176
lungs and 156 livers condemned 22.7%, 3.46%, 3.85% lungs and 16%, 9.4%, 4.6% livers of cattle were condemned
which were originated from low land, midland and highland, respectively. There was statistically significant
difference (P<0.05) between the origins of the animals and lungs and livers condemnation rates. There was
statistically significant difference (P<0.05) between the age categories with lungs and livers condemnation rates
whereas no significant variation was shown between age groups and kidneys, hearts and tongues condemnations
(P>0.05). Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed between lungs and kidneys condemnations rates with body
condition categories whereas the rejection rates of livers, hearts and Tongues with different body condition
categories was insignificant (P>0.05). Based on the current local price of these organs, the economic loss due to
these organs condemnation was estimated at Ethiopian Birrs 123,560 (ETB) (5,688USD) per annum. Considering
the percentage of condemnation of organs, the overall economic loss seems to be notable at Gondar ELFORA
abattoir.
